The time is right to connect with your agricultural customers about propane 

As farmers face rising costs, unpredictable weather and an increasing demand for sustainability, they are reevaluating every piece of farm equipment. In doing so, one fuel source continues to stand out among the rest: propane.

From powering irrigation engines to keeping barns warm and operations running even during grid outages, propane is a proven leader in the agricultural industry that is evolving in technology and versatility. New innovations like propane-powered soil steaming, powerful equipment upgrades like the Reliable Horsepower engine line and cost savings through the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) new Propane Farm Research Program make now an excellent time for farmers to incorporate more propane on their farms.

Irrigation engines are arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment at thousands of agricultural operations across the nation, making reliability non-negotiable. New technology like the Reliable Horsepower engine line, developed through a partnership between Industrial Irrigation Services, PERC and Woodward Inc., is setting a new standard for propane engines. These EPA-certified engines were specifically designed to close performance gaps in older fuel systems while meeting the rigorous demands of modern agriculture.

The company’s newly released 2.4-liter and 3.4-liter engines complement its previous line of engines ranging from 5.7-liter through 10.3-liter, with additional larger engine sizes coming to market in the next year. Reliable Horsepower engines support a variety of applications, from irrigation to power generation. Behind the scenes, these engines boast electronic fuel control systems, superior fuel economy and remote monitoring capabilities.

When it comes to farming, reliable and continuous power is essential to avoid costly, and potentially deadly, disruptions. Propane generation keeps operations running smoothly, regardless of time, location or weather.

From maintaining irrigation schedules to keeping critical systems running in livestock or greenhouse operations, propane generators deliver consistent performance. Unlike diesel, propane also doesn’t degrade over time and can be stored on-site, ready for use as soon as it’s needed. No matter the size or the type of operation, propane generators are a smart investment for long-term operational resilience. And with the new Propane Farm Research Program, this investment is more feasible than ever.

PERC recently launched its Propane Farm Research Program to make it easier for producers to modernize their farming operations with propane-powered equipment. Replacing the Propane Farm Incentive Program of previous years, the new program offers larger payouts, expanded equipment eligibility and a faster, more streamlined application process. Highlights of the program include:

• Up to $10,000 in savings on qualifying equipment
• $600 per liter of displacement for industrial engines, like irrigation
• $60 per kilowatt for propane-powered prime generators
• $30 per kilowatt for backup generators
• New $2,000 incentive for poultry house sanitizers

Beyond financial savings, program participants will help shape the future of agriculture by providing real-world feedback and field-testing data to improve propane technology in the years to come.

Propane is a proven energy source that continues to be relevant today and into the future because of:

• Reliability: Propane operates independently of the grid system for anytime, anywhere power.
• Performance: Propane delivers consistent torque and efficiency.
• Sustainability: Propane emits less greenhouse gases than diesel or gasoline.
• Safety: Propane is nontoxic.
• Stability: Propane is produced domestically and is in abundant supply.

As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, it’s important for equipment to evolve right alongside it. With propane, that is already happening and it will continue to happen. New propane-powered equipment is cleaner, smarter and more efficient than ever before, and a proven, dependable workhorse for farmers nationwide.

Learn more about propane-powered equipment and the future of propane in agriculture at propane.com/agriculture.

Michael Newland is the director of agriculture business development at PERC. Contact him at michael.newland@propane.com.