Propane Grain Dryers – Technology that Farmers Bank On

Today’s propane grain drying technology is up to 50 percent more efficient than older models. That’s savings you can count on. Farmers know it’s reliable, effective, and efficient — which is why it’s been the number one choice of American producers for decades.

Propane Just Makes Sense

There are plenty of reasons why more than 80 percent of grain dryers run on propane. Propane is portable, so it’s ready to work whenever and wherever you are without the high expense of connecting to a supply line. Propane stores exceptionally well, so there’s no need to drain tanks or stabilize fuel from one season to the next. The way propane is delivered and stored, fuel theft is of little to no concern. And your supplier can work out a delivery schedule that ensures your tank is always full.

When it comes to drying grain, propane is tough to beat. With a higher BTU than natural gas and reliable on-site fuel storage, you get fewer shutdowns. The gas controls for propane-powered grain dryers are smaller and more economical. Plus, propane will not contaminate your grain.

Cut Those Hidden Costs

Propane grain dryers can also help cut hidden costs you normally don’t factor in, such as yield loss. Leaving crops in the field is only leaving things to chance. On-farm drying with a propane grain dryer puts you back in the driver’s seat, with flexibility in harvesting and more control over marketing your grain. That’s money in your pocket. And those premiums you paid the elevator to dry your grain in the past will be eliminated with on-farm drying with propane.

A New Generation of Dryers

While many farmers have experience with propane grain dryers, they may not be familiar with the latest models and just how far the technology has progressed. Today’s grain dryers use about half the propane of older systems, which were already efficient. It takes approximately 1,650 BTUs to remove a pound of water, compared with older technology that takes as much as 3,500 BTUs.

Today’s continuous-flow propane dryers were designed with fast-paced, high-yield operations in mind. They’re designed for a long life, with low maintenance requirements, giving you more drying time and less downtime.

It All Adds Up

Today’s generation of propane grain dryers stretch fuel savings farther than ever before. They’re up to 50 percent more energy efficient. They’re longer lasting. Propane burns clean, cutting down on maintenance time and costs. When you take advantage of the Propane Farm Incentive Program or other available local incentives, the upfront costs are even lower. Now is the time to check out a new propane grain dryer.

What Farmers Are Saying

Results from the 2014 Propane Farm Incentive Program found that for drying grain, propane is the top choice among farmers:

• 80% – chose propane to replace their existing propane dryer
• 50% – chose propane for its reliability and environmental friendliness
• 80% – cited lower cost as a factor in selecting a propane dryer

Courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council