FUELING RURAL AMERICA

Irrigation

With the total acreage of irrigated farmland growing and the cost to pump water to those acres reaching all-time highs, new propane irrigation engines can help agribusinesses operate more cleanly, safely and profitably.

Irrigation is an energy-intensive part of farming. Tightened emission standards and the substantial rise in gasoline and diesel prices have created significant incentives for growers to move to propane-powered irrigation systems. Irrigation equipment fueled by propane is available to growers nationwide and helps

• Decrease fuel costs
• Reduce engine deposits for less maintenance
• Provide reliability — no grid-related power interruptions
• Reduce greenhouse gases (24 percent less than gasoline and 11 percent less than diesel fuel)

Flame Tilling

Propane-powered flame tilling is an effective way to destroy weeds, insects and microbes. Flame tilling eliminates weeds by destroying plant-cell membranes, leaving fields free of plant debris so farmers can return to the field immediately after treatment. Already popular among organic farmers, this process will also prove useful for conventional farmers who are concerned about the development of herbicide resistance.

• Hooded weed flamers are safe and effective to use during many stages of crop growth and under various weather conditions.
• Based on testing at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, flame weeding uses from 5 to 9 gallons of propane per acre.

Orchard frost and freeze protection

Propane heaters protect fruit crops and other climate-sensitive commodities from cold-weather damage. Propane offers a clean-burning and efficient alternative to diesel. Propane’s advantages over diesel include

• Lower fuel costs
• Fewer emissions
• Ease of use
• Less risk of contaminating water and soil because it vaporizes into the atmosphere, is nontoxic and insoluble in water
• Shorter ignition and shutoff times

Grain drying

Grain must be properly dried and conditioned for safe storage. Propane-fueled grain dryers offer energy efficiency and cost effectiveness for this critical phase of the harvesting process. Propane grain dryers

• Reduce moisture and crop loss
• Maximize grain quality without overdrying
• Minimize fuel and operating costs

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters can provide an ample supply of hot water for dairy operations and can be up to 30 percent more efficient than conventional tank water heaters. The benefits of these tankless heaters include

• An on-demand supply of hot water
• Less corrosion because water isn’t stored, so heaters last longer
• Low carbon dioxide emissions
• Space-saving
• Easy installation
• Outside installation for some models
• Customizable systems to meet individual farm needs

Climate control for livestock barns

A reliable source of heat for indoor spaces is critical for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock during cold winter months. Propane heating systems offer

• A dependable energy source
• Lower emissions
• Lower input cost
• Variable-rate technology for more even temperatures
• Corrosion-resistant heater components and cases

Poultry house sanitation

Sanitation in poultry facilities is essential for preventing and controlling disease. Propane-powered flame sanitizers use extreme heat to kill spores, worm eggs, fungi and viruses, and to burn off toxic ammonia vapors for a healthier flock environment. By using heat, poultry producers can avoid using toxic acids or chemical disinfectants to destroy pathogens.

Generators

Propane-fueled generators provide clean, reliable off-the-grid energy that significantly reduces electrical and heating expenses. An operation that experiences a power outage without a backup energy source can suffer substantial losses in productivity and profits. With propane, day-to-day operations aren’t at the mercy of grid failures or natural calamities. Using a generator powered by propane, a producer will benefit from

• High overall efficiency
• Low greenhouse gas emissions
• Quiet operation
• Low maintenance