Propane-Powered Irrigation Engines Reduce Fuel Costs

Apr 24, 2015

Growers who irrigated with emissions-compliant, propane-powered irrigation engines reduced fuel costs by more than 40 percent in 2014, according to research results from the Propane Education & Research Council’s Propane Farm Incentive Program.

"Results show that propane engines are economical, reliable, and offer the performance needed by today’s farmers," said Cinch Munson, PERC’s director of agriculture business development. "Alternative fuel engines running on propane cost less to purchase and operate than Tier-4-compliant diesel options, and the performance is excellent."

Participating growers from 21 states installed and tested 87 propane-powered irrigation engines from seven different manufacturers. Over the course of 2014, participants used the engines to irrigate nearly 9,000 acres of 10 different crops.

Propane engines also garnered positive performance and satisfaction ratings from growers. In a post-season survey, 95 percent rated engine performance as a four or five on a five-point scale. The same percentage said they would purchase another propane engine and recommend propane engines to other growers.

On top of increased efficiency and fuel savings, recent research shows that propane engines reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11 percent versus diesel, and 20 percent compared with gasoline.

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Video: Wisconsin Corn and Soybean Weed Management Updates and Considerations for 2026 and Beyond

Dr. Rodrigo Werle, associate professor and extension weed scientist, UW–Madison, shares the latest updates and future considerations for corn and soybean weed management in Wisconsin. This presentation covers herbicide resistance trends in waterhemp, including newly confirmed cases of HPPD and S-metolachlor resistance, and emphasizes the importance of residual herbicides and strategic tank mixes for consistent control. Rodrigo also introduces upcoming technologies like Vyconic soybeans and new herbicide products, discusses integrated weed management strategies such as planting green with cover crops, and highlights practical recommendations for 2026 and beyond.

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