With late planting, the demand for crop drying will likely increase this fall. According to North Dakota State University Extension bioenergy economics specialist David Ripplinger, farmers may want to pre-price propane or buy and take delivery now. “In North Dakota, I’m not too concerned about a supply issue. The concern is if all the corn in the Corn Belt comes off at the same time at high moisture. If everyone calls their propane dealer at the same time, then there could be a problem,” says Ripplinger. With the expectation that prices could rise, buying propane now also eliminates the risk of delays or shortages. “You could take advantage of some spot sales. A propane dealer in the eastern part of the state said farmers could get propane delivered now for about half of the market rate.” Hear more of the conversation.