A steady increase of propane over the summer is prompting a recommendation for farmers, ag businesses and rural residents to consider taking steps now to build their propane supply. “It is important for users to be prepared,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, says. “Ensuring adequate supplies on hand now can help avoid any possible unforeseen spikes in demand later this year.” Propane production is up to 1.85 million gallons per day over the 1.7 million barrels reported a year ago. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that stocks sit at about 72.2 million barrels, compared to 96.1 million in 2016. Lower supply levels are attributed primarily to export pressure. The most recent average price for propane in Iowa is at $1.13 per gallon compared to 95 cents per gallon last year.