New Double Incentive Program for Propane Farm Equipment in Tornado-Affected Midwest

Through a special incentive program, farmers impacted by recent tornadoes in the Midwest can save up to $10,000 on propane-powered equipment. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is extending its Double Propane Farm Incentive Program to include farmers who suffered losses from the tornado outbreaks. This initiative, running until December 31, 2024, aims to… Continue reading New Double Incentive Program for Propane Farm Equipment in Tornado-Affected Midwest

Through a special incentive program, farmers impacted by recent tornadoes in the Midwest can save up to $10,000 on propane-powered equipment.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is extending its Double Propane Farm Incentive Program to include farmers who suffered losses from the tornado outbreaks. This initiative, running until December 31, 2024, aims to support recovery efforts by doubling the usual incentive amounts for eligible propane-powered farm equipment.

Farmers in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio can apply for this program and receive increased incentives. Qualifying equipment includes irrigation engines, heating systems for buildings and water, power generators, and flame-weeding systems.

Michael Newland, Director of Agriculture Business Development at PERC, emphasized the importance of this support: “We understand the significant challenges faced by those affected by the tornadoes. This program extension is our way of helping farmers rebuild and continue their operations.”

Under this program, farmers can receive:

• $600 per liter of fuel displacement for propane-powered irrigation engines

• Up to $60 per kW for generators

• $3,000 for flame weeding systems

• $4,000 for agricultural heaters

Eligibility for the program will be verified using zip codes and National Weather Service data. Farmers can apply now at Propane.com/FarmIncentive.

To discover more about how propane benefits agriculture, visit Propane.com/Agriculture. For more information about propane and PERC, check out Propane.com.

Information for this article has been provided by the Propane & Education Research Council (PERC).

Conventional Crop Season Opens Up Prospects for Propane-Driven Irrigation

Midwestern farmers anticipate a regular crop cycle and grain drying period, according to the current corn farming timelines. This presents an opportunity for industry professionals to enlighten farmers about the multifaceted benefits that propane irrigation engines can offer, particularly when it comes to upgrading or retiring old machinery. When pitted against diesel engines, propane-based systems… Continue reading Conventional Crop Season Opens Up Prospects for Propane-Driven Irrigation

Midwestern farmers anticipate a regular crop cycle and grain drying period, according to the current corn farming timelines. This presents an opportunity for industry professionals to enlighten farmers about the multifaceted benefits that propane irrigation engines can offer, particularly when it comes to upgrading or retiring old machinery.

When pitted against diesel engines, propane-based systems provide greater efficiency, reliability, environmental friendliness, and cost savings. Notably, farmers who transitioned to propane have reported a 28% performance boost and fuel cost reductions of almost 45%.

State-of-the-art propane engines have received certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Developed and manufactured by leading industry players, these engines are specifically built to utilize propane, thus ensuring a reliable and consistent power source at the farmers’ convenience. Given the independent operational system and portability of propane, farmers can mitigate concerns related to grid power fluctuations or inconsistent gas line performance.

The cutting-edge propane irrigation engines can deliver continuous power output up to 300 horsepower. Beyond the engine technology, producers can leverage remote operation and monitoring systems to manage their farms effectively.

In the context of increasing environmental concerns, propane irrigation engines are commended for generating up to 18% fewer greenhouse gas emissions when compared to gasoline and diesel variants. This not only aids in environmental conservation but also translates to cleaner engines with fewer deposits. The result is extended engine longevity and reduced maintenance requirements.

Furthermore, the adoption of propane negates the need for farmers to devise intricate EPA spill prevention measures that are mandatory for diesel and gasoline engines. EPA and CARB-endorsed propane models can be procured across all 50 states.

A promising engine model set to revolutionize the agricultural sector is the new 7.3L engine by EDI, anticipated to find extensive use in agricultural irrigation.

Incentive Augmentation

Investors in propane irrigation engines are eligible for benefits under the Propane Farm Incentive Program (PFIP), implemented by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). New engines boasting EPA and/or CARB certifications can procure $300 per liter of displacement for pumping purposes.

The PFIP is an initiative designed to provide financial incentives – up to $5,000 – towards the purchase of innovative propane-powered agricultural equipment. Participants, in return, are required to share empirical performance data with PERC (applications accepted until the end of the year at propane.com/farmincentive).

In the wake of the catastrophic tornadoes that hit the Midwest earlier this year, the incentives have been increased for agricultural operations directly affected. Until December 31, 2023, affected farmers can receive double the incentive for the same eligible propane-powered equipment. This includes $300 per liter of fuel displacement for irrigation engines, up to $30/kW for generators, $1,500 for flame weeding systems, and $2,000 for agricultural heaters. The eligibility will be corroborated using zip codes and National Weather Service information.

This boost in incentives aims to provide financial relief to producers as they recover from the unexpected havoc wreaked by tornadoes.

Early Refilling Advocacy

We strongly encourage industry professionals to work proactively with agricultural clients to secure the required propane supply throughout the harvest and winter seasons. By refilling tanks early, farmers can realize significant savings.

Given the prevailing industry-wide driver shortage coupled with extended emergency driver training requirements, the necessity for early refills of customer tanks is greater than ever. Secondary storage refills should be performed frequently when pipeline capacity is readily available and demand is low. It’s important to remember that pipeline infrastructure is not intended to meet peak demand exclusively.

Propane-Powered Irrigation Engines: Advantages for Agriculture Producers

Agriculture producers in the Midwest are anticipating a normal growing season and grain drying year in 2023 based on corn planting dates. This dry spring presents an excellent opportunity for marketers to educate farmers about the numerous benefits of choosing propane irrigation engines when upgrading or replacing outdated equipment. Compared to diesel-powered engines, propane units… Continue reading Propane-Powered Irrigation Engines: Advantages for Agriculture Producers

Agriculture producers in the Midwest are anticipating a normal growing season and grain drying year in 2023 based on corn planting dates. This dry spring presents an excellent opportunity for marketers to educate farmers about the numerous benefits of choosing propane irrigation engines when upgrading or replacing outdated equipment.

Compared to diesel-powered engines, propane units offer higher efficiency, reliability, cleanliness, and cost-effectiveness. Farmers who have made the switch reported a 28% improvement in performance compared to their previous diesel engines, along with fuel savings of up to 45%.

Leading engine manufacturers have developed today’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- and California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified propane engines specifically for propane use. These engines provide consistent power when and where it’s needed, ensuring farmers have reliable access to the necessary power for their operations. Additionally, propane’s portability and independence from the grid eliminate concerns about power interruptions or gas line fluctuations.

Propane-powered irrigation engines incorporate the latest technological advancements, delivering up to 300 horsepower of continuous power. Remote monitoring and operating systems are also available, enabling producers to better manage their operations.

Environmental considerations are vital, and propane-powered irrigation engines emit up to 18% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline and diesel alternatives. This not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to cleaner engine operation. With fewer deposits on engine components, farmers can expect longer engine life and fewer maintenance issues.

Unlike diesel and gasoline options, farmers who choose propane do not need to develop complex EPA spill prevention plans. EPA- and CARB-certified propane models are available for sale in all 50 states.

A notable engine in the agriculture industry is the new 7.3L offering from EDI, which will find significant use in the agricultural irrigation market.

Double incentives are available for purchasers of propane-powered irrigation engines through PERC’s Propane Farm Incentive Program (PFIP). These engines, certified by EPA and/or CARB, qualify for payouts of $300 per liter of displacement for pumping.

PFIP is a research program that provides financial incentives of up to $5,000 toward the purchase of new propane-powered farm equipment. In exchange, participants agree to share real-world performance data with PERC.

To aid farmers directly impacted by the Midwest tornado outbreak, incentives are doubled for eligible propane-powered equipment, offering up to $10,000 in support. Affected farmers can earn double the incentive amount for qualifying propane-powered equipment, including $300 per liter of fuel displacement for propane-powered irrigation engines. This enhanced incentive program is available until December 31, 2023.

powered-irrigation-engines-imageConsidering the challenges posed by industry wide driver shortages and the extended time required for emergency driver training, marketers must plan with agriculture customers. Encouraging early tank fills ensures farmers have an adequate propane supply to power their farms throughout the harvest and winter seasons, while also benefiting from potential cost savings.

With the uncertainty of natural disasters, these additional incentive dollars aim to support producers in their recovery from tornado-induced destruction.

Marketers should engage with customers now to discuss the optimal early-fill strategies and secure propane supply for uninterrupted farming operations.