A late harvest combined with a rather wet fall has resulted in a growing demand for propane. Wisconsin Farmers Union President Doug Caruso says it’s needed to dry out crops before storing them for the winter.
If crops, such as corn and soybeans, are put into storage with high moisture they will develop toxic molds. Caruso says that makes them worthless as animal feed.
However, growing demand statewide has resulted in limited supplies. Caruso says long lines are forming at pipelines as trucks wait to fill up. He says some companies have started sending trucks as far south as Kansas City to fill up.
Governor Doyle this week declared a state of emergency due to the shortage, which give suppliers more time to deliver propane. Still, Caruso says the damage may have already been done and some crop supplies could be limited down the road.