March in western Minnesota means the end of winter is in sight — and for farmers and equipment operators, that means it's time to start thinking about spring. Before the ground thaws and planting season hits, there are a few important steps to take with your diesel fuel, lubricants, and equipment to make sure everything is ready to work when you need it most.
If you've been running Cenex® Wintermaster® or a winter-blended diesel through the cold months, March is the time to start transitioning back toward standard seasonal fuel. As temperatures climb above freezing consistently, the cold-flow additives in winter blends become unnecessary — and running winter fuel in warm weather can actually affect combustion efficiency.
Tri-County Co-op will transition to seasonally appropriate Cenex® premium diesel blends as temperatures warrant. If you have questions about what's currently in your bulk tank or what we're delivering, call our energy team. We know the local forecast and can advise on the right fuel for your operation right now.
Spring prep is about more than fuel. Taking time now — before planting pressure hits — to inspect and service your equipment can prevent costly downtime in the field. Here's where to start:
Spring is the most common time of year for equipment oil changes, and for good reason. After a winter of either heavy use or extended storage, fresh Cenex® lubricants give your equipment the protection it needs heading into the highest-hours season of the year.
Cenex® Maxtron® diesel engine oils are formulated to reduce wear, keep engines running cleaner, and handle the demands of extended field hours. Tri-County Co-op carries a full line of Cenex® lubricants for tractors, combines, and auxiliary equipment. If you're not sure which product is right for your machine, our team can help you find the right match.
Planting season creates a surge in fuel demand across the region. If you run a bulk tank on your farm, now is a good time to assess your capacity and place a delivery order before the spring rush begins. Scheduling early helps ensure you have fuel on hand when the window opens — not a day or two after it does.
The farmers who have the smoothest planting seasons are almost always the ones who spent a few hours in March making sure everything was ready. Tri-County Co-op is here to support that preparation — with the right Cenex® fuels and lubricants, reliable bulk delivery, and a team that understands what's at stake when the field conditions are right and every hour counts.
Stop in at any of our locations or give us a call to talk through your spring fuel and lubricant needs. We're ready when you are.
Cenex® is a registered trademark of CHS Inc. © 2025 CHS Inc.
Cenex® branded propane retailer
Applications & uses
Furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, cooking, and backup generators. Automatic delivery scheduling available.
Grain dryers, irrigation engines, livestock building heat, and portable farm equipment. Bulk delivery, competitive ag pricing.
Forklifts, generators, fleet vehicles, laundry & food service. High-volume contracts and dedicated account management.
Grills, fire pits, patio heaters, and portable cylinders. Cylinder exchange available in-store — no delivery needed.
Delivery programs
We track your usage and schedule delivery before you run low. No calls, no worrying, no running out. Best for primary home heating.
You monitor your gauge and call when ready. Order at 20–30%. Typical 2–3 business day turnaround. Emergency same-day available.
Large-volume for grain dryers, livestock buildings, and farm equipment. Harvest-season priority scheduling. Ag-specific pricing.
New customer?
We work with licensed installers to get your tank set up. Call (320) 555-0197 and we’ll walk you through the process.
Safety guide
Propane has an added odorant (ethyl mercaptan) — it smells like rotten eggs or a skunk. Listen for hissing near appliances or the tank. Look for dead or discolored vegetation near buried lines. Frost on the outside of your tank can also indicate a problem.
Put out all flames immediately. Do NOT touch any electrical switches. Leave the building and leave the door open. Turn off the main valve on your tank if safe to do so. Call us and 911 from outside or a neighbor’s phone. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency responders.
Never let your tank drop below 20% in winter. Keep snow and ice clear from tank vents, regulators, and lines. Do not use a heat gun or open flame to thaw frozen regulators — call us instead. Note: propane contracts in extreme cold, so your gauge may read lower than expected.
When a tank empties fully, air and moisture enter the lines. All appliances must be inspected and re-lit by a certified technician before use — this is a safety code requirement, not optional. Call us immediately at (320) 555-0197. We’ll deliver and send a technician for the re-light.
Have all propane appliances inspected by a licensed technician every year. Check that burner flames are steady blue — not orange or yellow. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Never attempt DIY repairs on gas lines or appliances.
Pricing programs
Propane prices fluctuate seasonally — rising in fall as winter demand builds. We offer programs to protect your budget.
Limited time
Pre-buy propane & lock in this season’s price before winter
Pricing varies by volume, delivery location, and program. Call us for a current quote — we’ll find the program that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Call when your tank gauge hits 20–30%. In winter, deliveries can take 2–3 business days, so don’t wait until it’s below 10%. Automatic delivery customers don’t need to monitor this — we handle it.
It depends on your original installation. Leased tanks are tied to a specific supplier. Owned tanks can be filled by any provider, including us. Check your installation paperwork, or call us at (320) 555-0197 — we’ll help you find out.
Yes, if you own your tank outright. We cannot fill tanks leased from another provider as those remain their property. Call ahead to confirm before scheduling your first delivery with us.
Residential deliveries typically have a 100-gallon minimum. For smaller tanks or unusual situations, call us — especially for first-time customers or emergency fills where we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
We use your usage history and weather data to estimate when you’ll need propane and schedule delivery proactively. You’ll receive a notification before we arrive. No calls or monitoring required on your end.
Residential tanks from 100 to 1,000 gallons, agricultural bulk tanks, and commercial tanks of various sizes. We also sell portable 20 lb, 33 lb, and 100 lb cylinders at our C-store location.
Request delivery
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to confirm your delivery. Need it sooner? Call our propane line directly.
Or call our propane scheduling line: (320) 555-0197 · Available Mon–Fri 7am–6pm · 24/7 for emergencies
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Looking for an affordable, reliable energy source? Propane is a clean-burning fuel ideal for heating, cooking, hot water, and backup power—perfect for rural homes, farms, and small businesses.
💡 Why Choose Propane?
Lower emissions than oil or gasoline
Highly efficient energy source
Works during power outages
Safe and versatile—use it indoors and out!
🚚 We Deliver – In Bulk!
As a member of our oil co-op, you get competitive pricing on bulk propane deliveries—straight to your tank, when you need it. No middlemen, no hassle.
👥 Member-Owned, Community-Focused
Your energy dollars stay local, supporting neighbors and building energy independence for our region.
Cenex lubricants deliver superior protection and performance for engines and equipment. Formulated with advanced additives, they help reduce wear and extend equipment life.
Tri County Co-op has DEF available at the pump for quick, convenient access. Save time and stay compliant by filling up your diesel equipment or vehicles right here.
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