Propane For Farmers: Key Uses And Benefits

More than 800,000 farmers across the USA use clean, green propane every day to power their farming operations, and for good reason: it’s one of the most powerful and efficient ways to power the machines and systems that keep a farm productive.

How Farmers Are Using Propane

It’s also the most versatile fuel for your farm. Consider all the ways that propane can be used in an agricultural setting:

• Irrigation Systems – Propane irrigation engines burn clean and operate extremely efficiently, which make them perfect choice to keep crops hydrated.
• Weed Control – Propane flame weed control is a great alternative to harsh chemicals: it’s just as effective, it’s more eco-friendly, and it allows farmers to return to the fields immediately.
• Grain Dryers – Propane grain dryers are extremely efficient and effective, taking advantage of propane’s high burning temperatures to remove moisture from harvested grain.
• Barn/greenhouse/space / water heating – Propane is an ideal heat source for your buildings ranging from pens and greenhouses, to milking parlors, storage silos, barns, and more.
• Backup power – Power outages are twice as common today as they were just 10 years ago, and they can certainly be costly in today’s fast-paced agricultural markets. Propane makes the perfect power source for backup generators because it does not degrade over time.
• Vehicle power – From riding lawnmowers and forklifts to tractors and delivery trucks, propane can fuel just about any vehicle. Propane engines are cheaper to operate per mile and require less servicing than gas engines.

Why Use Propane On Your Farm?

Considering making the switch to propane for your farm? Smart move. Consider these benefits:

• Cost savings – Propane is significantly less expensive than gas or diesel fuel, and propane-powered engines cost far less to purchase and repair than their diesel counterparts.
• Fuel security – Propane is used in a closed-end fueling system, which virtually eliminates loss from theft and spillage.
• Clean burning performance – Propane burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel – which means you will experience less wear and tear on your equipment, lower maintenance costs, and less equipment downtime due to repairs.
• A smaller carbon footprint – Propane’s lower carbon emissions offer big environmental benefits that can create additional economic incentives through organizations such as the Propane Education and Research Council ; it can also open up unique marketing opportunities by helping you promote your “green” management practices
• Flexible power – Propane engines offer flexible power so you can irrigate with your motor running at any RPM*
• No pooling – If you spill propane, it evaporates without contaminating soil or water.

For these reasons and more, propane can be the perfect fuel for your North Carolina farm. Could propane be right for you? Contact Williamson Gas today to find out!