One of the hidden costs in grain production is in the bin. Typically, grain drying systems are run on LP, but growers in Ohio have found a way to save, in some cases, over 50% on the cost of fueling those dryers by switching from LP to natural gas.

"I made the switch last year and saved real close to 60% -- it wasn't that big-a-deal to change over from LP to natural gas, and I'm glad I did," an Ohio grower told me. A few others nearby chimed in and quickly agreed that they had seen similar savings by making the switch.

This may not work for everyone as natural gas can be difficult for some co-ops to source. In that case, growers are probably better off sticking with what works for them locally.

A source close to home agreed, "the savings are definitely there -- the problem is getting the natural gas to the dryer."

So if you are close to a natural gas source you may want to consider changing over from LP to nattie for your grain drying operation. With natural gas expected to continue to soften on strong domestic production, over time, a farmer could really rack up some savings.

Photo credit: ~Darin~ / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

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