ENERGY
Propane vs. natural gas: the same … but different
Customers often ask us: What’ s the difference between propane and natural gas? Where does propane come from? The answer starts deep underground.
When oil is pumped from the earth, it brings a mix of hydrocarbons and gases to the surface. These gases are separated from the oil and sent to processing plants. There, lighter gases— primarily methane— are separated and delivered to utility companies as natural gas. Heavier gases, which are often in liquid form, are sent to facilities called fractionators. Fractionators separate out individual liquid gases such as ethane, butane, and propane, which are then stored and transported as liquids.
Natural gas is typically less expensive because it requires less refining and is delivered through large pipeline networks. Since
pipelines serve many users at once, natural gas is most common in cities, towns, and densely populated neighborhoods.
Propane takes a different journey. Before it reaches your home, it travels by pipeline, rail, and truck to storage facilities and finally to your propane tank. Propane stays in liquid form under pressure inside the tank. Once released, it vaporizes at – 44 ° F. That’ s why propane tanks— common throughout rural areas— are designed to safely store liquid propane until your appliances call for vapor.
When your furnace, stove, or water heater needs fuel, the liquid propane inside your tank naturally vaporizes and flows to the appliance— similar to releasing pressure from a sealed container.
Both natural gas and propane burn as vapor, but propane begins as a liquid while natural gas is always a vapor. They can even originate from the same wellhead, yet the processing, transportation, storage, and end use experience differ significantly.
The U. S. is a major supplier of both natural gas and propane, and stockpiles are generally healthy. Prices can still fluctuate due to prolonged cold weather or increased export demand.
Source:“ Propane Rejection and Its Causes,” by Mark Rachal, LP Gas – Traders Corner, February 3, 2026.
Meet Tyler Johnson, Mid‐County’ s new Sales Agronomist
Mid‐County Coop is excited to welcome Tyler Johnson, who joined our Agronomy team on February 23rd as our newest Sales Agronomist. Originally from Lonoke, Arkansas, Tyler came to Minnesota looking for a fresh start and a place that felt more personal than corporate. When he connected with Mid‐County through a placement service, the smaller co‐op atmosphere and community feel immediately stood out.
Tyler is eager to learn the unique growing environment of Minnesota— something he’ s already noticed is very different from the South. The hilly landscape, shorter growing season, and farm sizes have all caught his attention, and he’ s excited to dive into how crops and management practices vary here. As he settles in, he’ ll be working on orders, learning our systems, and eventually taking on a customer list of his own.
Agriculture wasn’ t originally part of Tyler’ s
family background, but he found his passion early. His first job at 16 was with the University of Arkansas Extension Service in the Entomology Division, where he spent five years doing research in cotton, corn, soybeans, and rice. That experience sparked a love for agriculture that has shaped his career ever since.
When it comes to working with customers,
Tyler believes everything starts with building a genuine relationship— taking time to talk, connect, and understand each person’ s needs. He hopes customers will come to know him as someone who listens, adapts, and is eager to learn the way things are done here in Minnesota.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys fishing, hunting, and caring for houseplants— he once had more than 30 of them. He also umpires baseball and hopes to get involved in local leagues once he’ s settled into his new home in Glencoe, where he’ s renting a duplex and enjoying a short commute.
Please join us in welcoming Tyler to the Mid‐County community. He’ s excited to be here, excited to learn, and excited to get to know the producers and neighbors who make this area feel like home.
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