March brought volatile markets and a lot of questions about where fuel and propane prices were headed. April is your window to act on those answers. The heating season is winding down, fields are getting ready to open up, and the decisions you make this month about energy and equipment can set the tone for the entire crop year.

Here's what's on our radar — and what we recommend — as we head into spring.

Propane Inventory Is Strong — but the Window Won't Stay Open Forever

The good news from March carries into April: domestic propane inventory remains well above the five-year average, and stocks are even higher than they were at this time last year. That supply cushion has kept LP prices from climbing as much as crude-based fuels, and it means spring pricing is genuinely favorable right now.

The wildcard is timing. If the global tensions affecting oil markets ease up, prices could drop further. If they drag on, propane will continue to feel pressure from crude. Either way, waiting until fall to think about propane is a gamble — and fall is when everyone else is calling at once.

The Summer-fill Program Starts in May — Sign Up Now

If you haven't heard about our Summer-fill program, here's the short version: it's one of the best cash-flow tools available to Iowa farm operations.

For farms managing tight seasonal budgets, aligning your energy fill with your cash-flow calendar just makes sense. You get the fuel you need at a favorable price, and you don't have to write the check until after harvest.

April Is Lubricant Season — and We're Offering 10% Off

While propane gets most of the attention this time of year, lubricants are just as critical heading into planting. Tractors, planters, and tillage equipment that sat idle through winter need properly lubricated components to perform under the load of spring fieldwork.

Running quality lubricants reduces wear, protects injectors, and extends the life of expensive equipment. More importantly, it guards against the kind of mechanical failures that cause downtime during a planting window that waits for nobody.

Before the Rush: A Quick Spring Equipment Checklist

April's slower pace is the right time to catch small problems before they become big ones. A few things worth doing before May arrives:

1. Inspect propane regulators and supply lines — cold weather contraction can open small leaks that go unnoticed until you need the system most.
2. Clear debris and overgrowth from around your tank so our drivers have clean access for summer and fall deliveries.
3. Check connections and valves on grain dryers and outbuildings before harvest prep begins.
4. Ask us about pre-buy and budget programs for the 2026–27 heating season — locking in now could save you money later.

Stop In This April — The Pizza Burger Is Back

All seven W&H convenience store locations are bringing back the pizza burger for a limited time through the end of April. Whether you're running between fields or just need a break from spring chores, come enjoy a warm one with us. Locations in Badger, Eagle Grove, Humboldt, Renwick, Livermore, and two spots in Fort Dodge.