Growers are looking for ways to reduce costs this summer, especially as fertilizer costs are on the rise. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) just might have a way to help you save money. During Commodity Classic last month, they launched a new propane irrigation engine. According to Brandon Robinson, Projects Coordinator with PERC, “Propane is one of the most efficient fuels out there. In one tank of propane, 90 percent of the fuel will be turned to energy.”

Studies were conducted at the University of Nebraska tractor testing lab where diesel irrigation engines were compared against the new propane irrigation engines. In terms of a gallon comparison between the two fuels, the results showed that is 1.5-1.6 gallons of propane for every gallon of diesel, said Robinson. “This is a great improvement over the old numbers.”

According to Robinson, another advantage of using propane on the farm is that propane prices typcially go down in the summer when other fuel prices go up. This makes propane 30 percent more cost efficient than using diesel irrigation engines that use other fuels, such as diesel.

“We are seeing demand increase as farmers are looking for more efficient applications and cleaner and greener applications. We expanding our base in terms of how farmers can use propane on the farm,” said Robinson.

Growers can learn about all the farm-application uses for propane by visiting www.agpropane.com. You can also learn more by listening to the full AgWired interview with Brandon Robinson: cc-09-joanna-perc.mp3