Pellet Shortage

MommyOf4 said:

Wow, what is with this year's pellet shortage? All the stores near me have a 10 bag limit and won't sell by the ton. I'm in Southern MD (Northern Calvert County) and most stores are sold out within a couple days of receiving shipment.

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Tons of pellets up here in NEPA. My hardware store brings Lignetics in by the tractor-trailer load. Had 'em even at last year's worat with no limit.

MommyOf4 said:

It must be nice! It's like the Hunger Games down here.

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Have you tried Ace or True Value hardware?

MommyOf4 said:

That's where I got my last 10 bags. They were the cheapest, but had a limited supply when I got there. They said they got 26 tons but were sold out in a couple days.

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True Value? Tractor Supply? I forget which hardware mine is affiliated with but they bring them in all winter. Whose pellets were they?

MommyOf4 said:

True Value and Tractor Supply are all sold out. Ace had Hamers for $6 and Independence - I'm not sure of the price. I wasn't sure how good Independence was, so I stuck with the Hamers.

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Interesting. Considering that my hardware, which is part of a chain / cooperative like Ace, is fine with Lignetics I begin to wonder if your stores themselves aren't to blame for either not ordering or not wanting to. Big box like HD. Tractor and Lowes are limited to what the company purchases and stocks.

MommyOf4 said:

Ace wasn't selling any Lignetics. I haven't seen any Lignetics in our area this year. I was told that the Do it Best locations actually signed a contract and that was the reason they had the most pellets, but even then it was a limited supply.

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All in all I've had more success with hardware affiliates like Do It, Ace and True Value. Locked in price and bought in June-July. Went down there the other day and they had about ten tons in the yard with no limit. As I said, I tend to think it's poor planning on the part of the individual store if one affiliate has lots and another none. Big box - well they're probably shifting over to lawnmowers and seeds now. Very unreliable supply and, IMNTBHO, lousy quality.

Hello fellow Calvert County resident!

We got our Lignetics from 231 farm center in Prince Frederick in July. I have called around and no one has anything right now. Luckily I have plenty I just want to try a few different brands.

MommyOf4 said:

When I spoke to 231 farm center they said they were completely sold out and had no idea when they were getting their next supply.

I'm getting on the phone with all the stores now. lol

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Last I checked they didn't have any Lignetics but they did have AWF ultra premium for $6.99 a bag

I called up HD in upper Marlboro and they had "like 15 pallets" last weekend. The guy on the phone couldn't tell me what brand though so I didn't bother going up there.
We purchased our stove from R&D cross (southern states) in Upper Marlboro, give them a call they are a big dealer in the area so they may have something. If you find anything don't be afraid to share the info (after you secure yours of course).

MommyOf4 said:

So far Sneade's has Independence for $5.55 per bag, Do it best in Dunkirk has Somersets for $6.99

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I've heard good things about Somersets on the forums. I have a 10% off coupon for Lowes but they don't have anything in stock.

MommyOf4 said:

It definitely is poor planning, but i don't think anyone will admit to it.

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It would go a long way to explain why some areas have a shortage while others do not.

Poor planning is exactly the reason some of us are sitting home with a seasons worth or more of pellets on hand and others are still rushing around trying to find whatever pellets they can get their hands on.

Maine seems to be well supplied. Most of the box stores are shipping pellets out of Maine and very little to stores in-state. I've seen loads going as far as Rhode Island.

Peterfield said:

It would go a long way to explain why some areas have a shortage while others do not.

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poor planning on who's part? the store for not being able to get them, or the person who knows they need them and did not buy them??

ironpony said:

poor planning on who's part? the store for not being able to get them, or the person who knows they need them and did not buy them??

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That one.

MommyOf4 said:

We've had issues finding some last year after we used up our tons. I just spoke to someone at a Do it Best location and they said that the factories had a shortage of saw dust and equipment failures since last winter. I'm not sure I'm buying that excuse though.

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And the dog ate their homework.

Man made for sure. Here in Tn, we have a few pellet plants near us. The one I get my hard wood pellets from is limiting local sales. As Wal-mart and Tractor supply tried to buy every bag they had. Guy I buy from told me he was getting 3 loads and that was it this winter. I had ordered 5 tons before so I have mine. One of the other plants is not making any heating pellets at all this winter. They're only making Smoking pellets and bedding pellets for animals. Was told by the owner that the prices on these items were so good he could not swap over. I do know a few big plants in Ms has stopped sales in the US. All there production goes over sea's. And there behind on orders there also.
We have places that burn there sawdust here as they can't get it out of there way. So I'm thinking before spring I will be setting up a personal use pellet mill. Run my own pellets and make sure I have my heat when I need it. Not when I can get pellets. I have a loader, building Old feed mill from when I had cows. And a truck to haul the dust. So after doing some research, I can pay for the mill in 2 seasons then my pellets will be fuel and our labor.

Love our Harmon PF100 Furnace. And cheap heat it puts out.
Pete

If MommyOf4 needs pellets and you know of some near her post it ...