Propane Powered Engines for Ag

Cindy Zimmerman

2014 World LP Gas Forum Photo Album

perc-ag-enginesThe new Tier 4 emission standards for diesel engines have opened up new opportunities for propane in the agricultural engine market.

At the World LP Gas Forum in Miami this week, Propane Education and Research Council agricultural director Cinch Munson talked about how they have worked with OEMs to develop and commercialize new engines for ag applications, especially irrigation. “Since 2009, we’ve brought a number of new engines to the market,” said Munson. “A new industrial propane engine will cost about half of a new Tier 4 diesel engine and then cost about 56% less to run that engine.”

On display at the forum were an 8.8 liter PSI engine and a 9.1 liter Origin engine which are new to the market. Pete Stout with Origin Engines says they went to farmers and asked them what they wanted. “The adage they gave us is ‘there’s no replacement for displacement,'” he said. “They want large displacement, low speed engines that are designed to run on propane.”

Jeremy Lessaris with PSI Engines said they also worked with PERC to first develop smaller engines for irrigation. “We kept moving up the horsepower and torque band, up to 5.7 and now into the 8.8,” said Lessaris. “We’ve seen newer markets where the requirement for irrigation is much bigger, in California where they have large diesels pumping a lot of water…so we went from the 8.8 liter all the way up to 22 liters.”

PERC has a Propane Farm Incentive Program under which up to $5,000 can be available for farmers to switch to propane irrigation. In addition, states such as California and Nebraska have additional incentive programs.

Listen to Cinch, Pete and Jeremy talk about propane engines for ag here and see what they are talking about in the video below: PERC and Propane Engines for Ag


Audio, Energy, Irrigation, PERC, Propane, Video

PERC Debuts New Videos at World LPG Forum

Cindy Zimmerman

perc-wlpgf-willisThe Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) released a series of online videos with leading U.S. equipment manufacturers highlighting their investment in developing and commercializing new propane technologies. The videos debuted to an international crowd at the 2014 World LP Gas Forum in Miami, where they ran continuously on screens in the PERC showcase at the event.

Companies featured in the series include Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., Generac, Kohler Engines and Power Systems, Marathon, Origin Engines, Power Solutions International, and Roush CleanTech. “These world-class companies continue to build and commercialize new equipment that runs on propane for good reason: Propane is a smart investment. It’s clean, economical, and it performs,” said Roy Willis, PERC president and CEO. “On top of that, these companies stand behind propane because it’s an American-made fuel that supports American jobs and our domestic energy independence.”

At the LPG forum, Willis spoke to members of various industry publications that focus on different sectors where propane is used – from agriculture and on-road, to commercial landscaping, building and residential. PERC is an industry checkoff program which has been in existence since 1998, and Willis explained how they have transitioned in recent years from a focus on marketing and advertising to developing new technologies. “The industry recognized that to grow our industry we needed to expand beyond our existing customer base and to do so we needed propane technology that customer base could use,” said Willis.

While agriculture has been a long-time user of propane, new engine technology is reaching new markets. “Engines are the engine of growth in our industry,” said Willis. “Using propane instead of gasoline or diesel will save the end user substantial funds.” For agriculture, that includes new, efficient propane irrigation engines, which I’ll tell you more about in future posts.

Listen to Willis’ comments here: Roy Willis, PERC president and CEO

2014 World LP Gas Forum Photo Album

Audio, Energy, PERC, Propane

Brandt Consolidated and Advanced Data Analysis

Talia Goes

bccqtxsp5dl714bive3x_400x400Data is an important part of effective agronomics. With access to spatial data, farmers can uncover new areas of efficiencies and cost savings. However, when data is coming in from multiple, disparate sources, it is nearly impossible to aggregate it, and put it to good use.

Brandt Consolidated, a leader in technical agronomic solutions, recently overcame the challenge presented by data silos by working with Engage to build a unique, custom application, BASE (Brandt Agronomic Solutions Engine) to integrate with third-party platforms and serve as a data repository. Since implementing the solution, Brandt has been able to increase customer satisfaction by providing insight into new efficiencies that enhance productivity and reduce costs, based on the growing season.

With BASE, Brandt consultants can directly upload spatial data into the system from virtually anywhere, regardless of the software used to collect the data. BASE then consolidates the data in a standardized format so that employees can then easily pull the data into Brandt’s precision agriculture software tool, Total Acre, to analyze and generate reports to help make recommendations to the customers based on the growing season.

With Engage and BASE, Brandt has experienced the following results:
· Successfully aggregated data into one, single repository for streamlined reporting and analysis.
· Powered its Total Acre precision agriculture tool by using BASE to seamlessly bring data into the system.
· Maximized the value of Total Acre to increase customer satisfaction by providing insight into new efficiencies that enhance productivity & reduce costs.

Agribusiness

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • Lessing-Flynn won big at the 2014 PRIME Awards, hosted by the Public Relations Society of America Central Iowa Chapter last week.
  • Monsanto Company reinforced its commitment to further improve the genetic potential of seeds by announcing a $20 million investment in integrated technology centers as part of its global breeding program.
  • At its October 28, 2014 Organizational Meeting, the MGEX Board of Directors named 2014-2015 public directors, Board officers and approved committee assignments.
  • Former NAFB President Earl Hunter, broadcaster for 38 years in Wisconsin, has passed at the age of 85.
Zimfo Bytes

Discussing Future Corn & Soybean Issues

Chuck Zimmerman

Alan Ayers Bayer CropScienceThe 2014 Bayer CropScience Corn & Soybean Future Forum got kicked off today with a discussion that included not only an update on products but issues affecting farmers decisions and bottom line profits.

Alan Ayers, Bayer CropScience, seen being interviewed by Cyndi Young, Brownfield Ag News, led much of the discussion this morning. Bees and bee health dominated the early part of our discussion as Alan brought out some data showing an increase in bee populations. He made a good point about how important pollinators are to a company like Bayer who actually need healthy bees for their own seed production!

Other topics included weed management, seed traits and technology, consumer acceptance and more. Listen to my interview with Alan to get an overview of what we’ll be talking about the next couple days. Interview with Alan Ayers, Bayer CropScience

2014 Bayer CropScience Corn & Soybean Future Forum Photos

Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer, Bees

Best Future Jobs in Agriculture

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What should US do about WTO COOL ruling?”

The industry has reacted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) decision against the United States on the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law since the announcement was made earlier this week. Some feel the issue can be handled by USDA, others feel Congress should take charge. But it looks like an overwhelming majority of those who took our poll feel we should appeal and do nothing.

Here are the poll results:

  • Appeal and do nothing – 83%
  • Congress should change – 4%
  • USDA should amend again – 3%
  • Should be repealed – 6%
  • Don’t know – 4%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, Where are the best future jobs in ag?

This week thousands of FFA members from across the country have flooded the streets of Louisville, KY for the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo. The future of agriculture is in the hands of these young people who are passionate about the agriculture community. The number and variety of careers in agriculture continues to grow. This week we want to know what field of study are the best future jobs in agriculture.

ZimmPoll

Ethanol Group Commits to FFA

John Davis

growth-energy-logoA group that represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America is showing its commitment to the future of agriculture. Growth Energy announced a multi-year commitment and new partnership with the National FFA Organization to build on critical projects that prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders in American agriculture, starting with teacher and student workshops presented by Growth Energy this week at the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Growth Energy is thrilled to help sponsor several important programs for FFA, including expanded opportunities to continue to educate FFA’s members on critical issues such as the important role that biofuels and energy play in American agriculture. Additionally, together, we will continue to build a robust networking system to attract new agricultural teachers and highlight the opportunities FFA members have as they enter the workforce. Ultimately, this comes down to investing in our most valuable resource —tomorrow’s leaders of American agriculture,” stated Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.

Specifically, the Growth Energy partnership will focus on assistance in supporting the Curriculum for Ag Science Education (CASE), as well as a personalized career exploration and development resource called “My Journey.” Furthermore, Growth Energy will also support the TeachAg program in efforts to attract more teachers for the enhanced education of FFA members. Additionally, Growth Energy will be leading select National FFA Convention sessions and providing support for FFA during their Washington, D.C. leadership conference.

“FFA is critical to the future of American agriculture. As our nation’s farmers become more productive and efficient, it is important that the next generation learns the best ways to provide both food and fuel while understanding the significance of being a true steward of the land and ensuring sustainable farming for generations to come,” added Buis.

Buis added that he was an FFA member, as was Jeff Broin, the co-chairman of Growth Energy’s Board of Directors. They called the programs and services FFA provides “immeasurable” and a preparation for students “for the challenges of tomorrow,” while also fostering leadership, innovation and stewardship of the land.

Ag Groups, Ethanol, FFA

Bayer CropScience Frankfurt Tour

Chuck Zimmerman

Bayer CropScience TourThe early arriving attendees for the Bayer CropScience 2014 Corn & Soybean Future Forum were treated to a tour of Frankfurt, Germany. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the Goethe House.

It was here that Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born on August 28, 1749, and here he spent his childhood and youth. With its period furniture and old paintings the late Baroque bourgeois house still harbours the spirit of this period. Goethe’s parent’s house is one of the oldest and most interesting Memorials in Germany.

You can follow along with the Forum over the next couple days via AgWired and the Twitter hashtag, #CropFutureForum.

You’ll be able to find photos from this year’s event here: 2014 Bayer CropScience Corn & Soybean Future Forum Photos

Agribusiness, Bayer, Bees

New LPG Applications Website Introduced

Cindy Zimmerman

2014 World LP Gas Forum Photo Album

perc-wlpgf14-websiteWill Ferrell would have been pleased with the “more cowbell” that rang in the new LPG Application Website – lpg.apps.org – as it went live at approximately 2:30 pm Eastern time on Tuesday at the World LP Gas Forum in Miami.

Ringing the cowbell to introduce the website were Andrew Ford of SHV Energy, World LP Gas Association CEO James Rockall and technical director Nikos Xydas, and Propane Education & Research Council CEO Roy Willis. The purpose of the new website is to provide a one stop shop for everything you would want to know about LPG applications. Check it out!


Energy, Propane, Video

Bienvenido a World LP Gas Forum

Cindy Zimmerman

perc-wlpgf14-welcomeWelcome to Miami and the 27th annual World LP Gas Forum!

I’ve been to the International Poultry Expo and the World Pork Expo and similar events with global attendance here in the United States, but the vast majority of attendees are always from this country. Not so here at the WLPGF. The World LP Gas Association has members in 130 countries and a good percentage of those are represented here at this event. But because it’s here in the United States this year, the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has a special presence to showcase new innovations for propane use in a variety of markets, including agriculture.

perc-wlpgf14-alisonAlison Abbot, marketing and communications director for the World LP Gas Association, says the event moves around the globe each year. “It’s the first time since 2008 we’ve been in the United States, the last time was in Chicago,” said Abbot. Last year it was in London and next year it will be in Singapore.

Abbot says PERC is a very active member of the WLPGA and the work the organization is doing in promotion and research of new markets and innovations for propane is outstanding. “We work very closely with PERC,” she said. “What we do as the world association is we take what fellow associations like PERC in the United States do and act as a central hub to disseminate it out.”

Listen to my interview with Alison here: Interview with Alison Abbot, World LP Gas Association

Check out the photo album below and stay tuned to here all about the new innovations in propane being showcased by PERC here at the 2014 WLPGF.

2014 World LP Gas Forum Photo Album

Audio, Energy, Propane