Propane on the Farm

The American Fuel for the American Farm

Today’s continuous flow propane-powered grain dryers were designed to meet the needs of modern, fast-paced, high-yield operations. Not only are they up to 50% more efficient, their clean-burning technology produces fewer engine deposits. That’s less maintenance for you, and less downtime. And don’t forget irrigation engines and flame weed control. From 2008 to 2013, 25% more farmers added propane irrigation engines to their operations; that’s more than 6,000 farms, irrigating 1.1 million acres. And propane-powered flame weed control is growing in popularity because it’s an environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides that is equally effective.

 

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Take Advantage of Propane Incentives and Tax Credits

Because propane is a clean, American-made fuel, there are a number of incentives to encourage adoption, both federally and locally. Beck Suppliers customers may be eligible to receive $1,000 toward the purchase of a new propane-powered mower and $500 toward a qualified conversion; and up to $10,000 for the installation of irrigation engines, generators, or heat on the farm; and can advise you on federal tax credits for the use of propane in vehicles. This tax credit was a full 36 cents per gallon in 2016! Think of it as a little bonus for adopting more affordable, cleaner equipment.

Key Benefits of Propane for Farm

Propane offers numerous benefits for agricultural applications, making it a versatile and efficient energy source on the farm. Here are some key advantages:

 

  1. Cost-Effectiveness: Propane is often more affordable than other fuel options, providing significant savings over time, especially for heating, drying, and irrigation systems.

  2. Efficiency: Propane-powered equipment, such as grain dryers, irrigation engines, and heaters, operates with high energy efficiency, reducing waste and operational costs.

  3. Environmental Benefits: Propane burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel, producing fewer greenhouse gases and harmful emissions, which helps farms meet environmental regulations and maintain sustainability.

  4. Energy Independence: Propane is produced domestically in the U.S., offering farmers a stable and reliable fuel supply less affected by global market fluctuations.

  5. Versatility: Propane can be used for various applications, including crop drying, water heating, frost control, heating livestock buildings, and powering vehicles or irrigation systems.

  6. Reduced Maintenance: Propane-powered engines and equipment often require less maintenance compared to diesel or gasoline counterparts, saving time and repair costs.

  7. Portability and Storage: Propane is easy to transport and store on-site, providing flexibility for farms without access to natural gas infrastructure.

  8. Incentives and Rebates: Farmers may qualify for federal, state, or local incentives, including rebates for switching to propane equipment or tax credits for usage.

  9. Safety and Reliability: Propane systems are designed with strict safety standards and provide reliable performance, even in remote or off-grid areas.

  10. Supports Modern Equipment: Many modern agricultural technologies are compatible with propane, ensuring that farms can take advantage of energy-efficient innovations.

 

By integrating propane into their operations, farmers can achieve cost savings, reduce their environmental impact, and improve overall productivity on the farm.