Alabama Farmers Federation : POULTRY FARMERS WORK TO KEEP FLOCKS WARM

POULTRY FARMERS WORK TO KEEP FLOCKS WARM

Debra Davis 334-613-4686

January 23, 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A second wave of arctic air in a month's time has hit Alabama's poultry farmers hard. Most depend on propane gas to keep flocks warm, and some farmers have reported problems getting tanks filled.

Lisa F. Fountain, executive director of the Alabama Propane Gas Association (APGA) said certain areas are dealing with delivery issues because of increased demands.

"I want consumers to understand there is not a shortage of propane gas," Fountain said. "What there is, is a logistical problem with transportation."

Fountain said out-of-state trucks filling tankers in Alabama for deliveries to other areas have created a backlog at the state's two distribution centers.

Those problems may be reduced by a Federal declaration issued Wednesday that eased restrictions on propane delivery trucks.

Alabama Farmers Federation staff, along with Fountain, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries officials and Alabama Poultry & Egg Association leaders met with members of Gov. Robert Bentley's staff Wednesday to discuss the propane situation.

"The Alabama Propane Gas Association is working with us to help farmers whose local supplier may be unable to deliver to their farms," said Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

Farmers concerned about their supply should contact APGA at [phone].

"Residential, commercial, poultry, schools, government offices - it doesn't matter what it is, we are going to go out of our way to make sure we don't run out of propane at these locations in the state of Alabama," Fountain said.

Agriculture Commissioner John McMillian said he appreciates the cooperative spirit of those trying to help farmers.

"I am concerned about the effects the cold weather in Alabama is having on farmers and agribusinesses across the state," McMillian said. "Our department is working with the Farmers Federation, the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association and the APGA to find a solution to the immediate increased need for propane by so many producers."

Meanwhile, farmers like Montgomery County's Jeremy Brown continue the routine of caring for their animals. He had tanks for his six poultry houses refilled Thursday morning.

Brown received 172,000 baby chicks at his farm Monday. He said keeping the inside temperature at 90 degrees can be a challenge when it's so cold outside.

"I think one reason this winter has seemed so bad is that the previous three winters have been pretty mild," Brown said. "The past few years have sort of spoiled us."

Brown said propane is the single largest input cost for his farm. The cold weather is costing him about $1,000 a day in propane, he said.

The increased demand for propane nationwide has caused prices to spike. In some areas of the Midwest, prices jumped to $4 a gallon.

Poultry is a $15 billion industry in Alabama. The state ranks 3rd nationally in broiler production and 14th in egg production.

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