Iowa farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents are urged to evaluate how much propane, heating oil or natural gas they will need to meet grain drying and home and livestock barn heating demands this fall and winter as forecasters predict a third consecutive La Nina winter weather pattern that could bring colder than normal temperatures to the state.

Fuel users and suppliers should make plans to accommodate increased demands this winter, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig last week. Global events such as the war in Ukraine and OPEC rolling back production as well as increased fuel demand amidst limited supplies are driving up prices.

“When you look...