Iowa has a diverse agriculture industry. Just about everyone knows that the Hawkeye State is the largest producer of corn in the nation. But Iowa farmers also guarantee you a hearty breakfast, producing your bacon and eggs, the cream in your coffee and the oats in your oatmeal.
Whatever their crop, Iowa farmers rely a lot on propane because this versatile, eco-friendly and efficient fuel reduces costs and maximizes labor efficiency. Take a look at some of the many tasks that can be performed with American-made propane.
Keeping animal containment areas like hog and chicken structures heated during the cold winter months is one of propane’s most important roles. Propane heating systems can also be found in the farmhouse itself. Propane building heat is also used in greenhouses to maintain proper temperature control to promote plant growth. Greenhouses may also use propane in their dehumidification process to dry the air to reduce the likeliness of disease in plants, increasing plant quality.
Propane can power trucks, tractors, forklifts and more. Because it burns cleanly, propane-powered vehicles need less maintenance and last longer.
The new propane-fueled engines are better for the environment and more efficient than older propane models. They provide farmers with an immediate savings in fuel costs compared with diesel or gasoline.
Harvesting early, while the crop retains small amounts of moisture, reduces grain field losses. The extra grain harvested can more than make up for the cost of propane drying. New propane-fueled units distribute a very precise heat, which ensures that the grain dries evenly, resulting in a high-quality yield. Today’s propane grain dryers are up to 50% more efficient than older models.
Propane provides a clean-burning and efficient option for orchard heating compared to diesel-fueled heaters. Diesel fuel spills can pose a significant risk to surrounding trees by contaminating water and soil. In contrast, if propane leaks, it vaporizes into the air. It’s also nontoxic and insoluble in water, eliminating any risk of contamination.
Having a backup power source is a must-have for farming operations. Propane doesn’t degrade over time like gasoline or diesel, so it’s always there for you when you need it.
Flame weeding is perfect for organic farmers who can’t use traditional herbicides, or any producer who wants to reduce their herbicide use. This device works by using intense heat to rupture plant cells, causing the weed to wither and die. Flame weed control can be used in a variety of weather conditions and growth stages, and it allows farmers to return to the field immediately after treatment.
If you’re part of Iowa’s valued agricultural community, you can help protect our most precious resources —our air, soil and water. Propane’s many uses around the farm can help you use fuel more efficiently and reduce emissions. And you don’t have to worry about toxic spills.
Reach out your local Iowa propane provider to learn more about all the ways propane can make your farming operations perform better. There are also financial incentives to help Iowa farmers who want to switch to propane-powered equipment.
