Wisconsin is among the top five states that rely on propane. Many of you heat your home with it, and our strong agriculture sector uses the fuel to dry grain after the harvest.
While those are strong markets, there’s more potential for this fuel. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is developing some other avenues where propane can benefit your farm’s bottom line.
Mike Newland, Director of Agricultural Business Development at PERC, says farmers should consider a propane-powered backup generator.
He says as electricity rates continue, propane is a cost-effective option for backup power. Newland recommends exploring propane generators if you need a new one before the summer storm season.
Irrigation engines can also be powered with propane. This isn’t a new concept, but it’s become a more economical option as electricity rates continue to rise.
The Mississippi Delta region has been spearheading the move to propane-powered irrigation pumps. PERC sees Wisconsin as another good market because of our strong specialty crop sector (snap beans, potatoes, canning veggies) that relies on irrigation. Availability for the technology is readily available.
Newland says propane engines are about 30 percent cheaper than diesel models.