Propane for Farmers: A Key to Long-Term Savings

Propane gas is one of the most potent ways to power the machines and systems that keep a farm up, running, and productive. But it’s also one of the most cost-effective fuels for your farm, especially in the long run.

What Propane Offers

Consider all the ways that making the switch to propane can save money for your agribusiness:

• It reduces fuel costs – Propane gas is significantly less expensive per gallon than gasoline or diesel fuel.
• It lowers equipment costs – Propane-powered equipment typically has a lower up-front purchase cost than diesel equipment.
• You’ll pay less for repairs – Because it burns cleaner, equipment powered by propane tends to break down less frequently, which means you’ll spend less money on repairs and spend more time working productively on your farm.
• You’ll lose less fuel – Propane is used in a closed-end fueling system, which virtually eliminates loss from theft and spillage.
• You can market yourself as “green” – Propane’s lower carbon emissions 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 to your customers.

Remarkable Versatility, Too

Of course, economic benefits aren’t the only ones you’ll get from switching to propane – you’ll also get safe, reliable power that works in freezing temperatures doesn’t pool or spill, and can power just about anything in an agricultural setting.

These are just some of the propane possibilities for your farm:

• 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.
• 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.
• Vehicle power – From riding lawnmowers and forklifts to tractors and delivery trucks, propane autogas can fuel just about any vehicle. Propane engines are cheaper to operate per mile and require less servicing than gas engines.

For these reasons and more, propane can be the perfect fuel for your North Carolina farm. Could propane be right for you? Contact Cherry Energy today and let’s talk about it!