WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Growing Rural Ag Infrastructure Needs to Deliver Rising Yields (GRAIN DRY) Act, which would expand the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include storage of propane for agricultural purposes.

Currently, propane storage is not considered an eligible facility under the FSFL program. The GRAIN DRY Act would expand the loan program to include propane storage, a critical tool for drying grain and heating barns, allowing agricultural producers access to the same financing for propane storage that is available for other on-farm storage facilities.

Congressman Finstad introduced the bill as a House companion to the Senate bill introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“The vast majority of grain dryers run on propane, making it a critical tool for Minnesota farmers,” said Rep. Finstad. “By opening up the FSFL program to include propane storage, we are providing farmers with the ability to stabilize their propane supply, giving them greater flexibility to lock in inputs for a commodity that has historically had supply shortages.”

“As farmers work toward a sustainable future, propane is an important component that powers a large segment of agricultural operations from milking parlors, irrigation engines to grain dryers,” said Rep. Costa. “This legislation provides economic opportunities for American farmers to increase their propane storage, cut fuel costs, and reduce supply chain disruptions in the future.”

“The Minnesota Corn Growers Association appreciates Congressman Finstad bringing legislation forward to help corn farmers maintain a stable supply of the fuel needed to dry down our crop to proper moisture levels. We thank Congressman Finstad for introducing this bill and look forward to raising this issue during future Farm Bill reauthorization discussions,” said Richard Syverson, President, Minnesota Corn Growers Association.