SHAKOPEE — Minnesota corn is three months away from harvest, but the Minnesota Corn Growers Association is encouraging farmers to plan ahead for their propane needs.

A propane shortage last winter hit Minnesota farmers and rural homeowners hard. The association has been meeting with industry and government officials to try to prevent a repeat this winter.

Corn growers use propane to fuel machines that dry corn enough so it can be stored. The heavy use of propane to dry last year’s wetter-than-normal corn was one reason for the shortage, but so were the cold winter, exports and a pipeline closure.

Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Ryan Buck says the days of having propane delivered as farmers need it may be over. So he says they need to anticipate their fall needs now.