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New propane equipment improving farmer’s bottom line

The Propane Education and Research Council says new propane equipment led to improved bottom lines for farmers in 2015.

For the last five years, the Council has conducted the Propane Farm Incentive Program, which last year drew nearly 90 participants in 20 states.

Director of ag business development Cinch Munson says,

“Through this program we incentivize the purchase of qualifying propane equipment.  It’s an incentive paid to a farmer in exchange for some real-world performance data on that equipment.”

He tells Brownfield when comparing propane irrigation engines to those powered by diesel, propane users saved 58 percent.

“Which shows that, A) these engines are efficient and B) the fuel price for propane right now is very good and the supply outlook remains good.”

And Munson says data on new propane grain dryers showed increased drying capacity and decreased field losses.

“Largely because of increased drying capacity and being able to harvest on their own terms, and overall they reduced their drying costs.  Looking at the old dryer they replaced, 43 percent less fuels used with new efficient grain dryers.”

The Propane Farm Incentive Program also tested the performance of flame weed control systems, premium generator sets and agricultural heating systems.