Over 660,000 farms use more than 1.5 billion gallons of propane every year. It can be used in hundreds of different agricultural applications because it is reliable, safe, clean and efficient.
The National Propane Gas Association reports propane used in:
Flame weeding
Farmers using propane-gas flame weeders have reported higher yields per acre by using propane.
Pest control
Propane gas flamers can provide 70 percent to 90 percent control of wintering adult insects compared with 25 percent to 50 percent provided by chemical pesticides, and propane flamers cost three to five times less per acre than chemical controls.
Crop drying
Propane drying systems are widely used because of the simplicity of the required equipment, which contributes to low equipment, fuel and maintenance costs.
Irrigation pumps
Propane-fueled irrigation pumps produce the same amount of power as gasoline or diesel engines, with lower emissions. As well, unlike propane, liquid fuels can leave a dangerous and sometimes toxic residue.
Poultry and pig brooding
Infrared propane brooders have proven to be more efficient and stay warmer with less heat than forced-air furnaces. Fuel costs are also 15 to 25 percent less than those for forced-air furnaces.
Crop heating
Propane heaters operate efficiently for long periods while producing enough heat to prevent valuable crops from being ruined by unexpected cold spells. Propane is also used in heating greenhouses.