Propane Autogas in Agriculture

You can have a more affordable and sustainable farming operation

Whether you run a farming operation producing lettuce, wheat or fruits, a dairy farm, a cattle ranch or any other agricultural endeavor, energy costs can easily come to dominate your budget. With gasoline and diesel costs surging in recent months, many farmers and ranchers have been talking to our team about embracing propane more fully.

One of the best ways to lower your fuel costs is by changing your farm vehicles to propane autogas. Superior Propane can help you do this — plus explore all the other ways propane can improve your productivity.

What is propane autogas?

Propane autogas is chemically the same as the propane used in homes and businesses — just put to work powering vehicles. It’s more common than you might think. The Alternative Fuels Data Center ranks propane as the third most widely used engine fuel in the United States, with around 60,000 propane-powered vehicles currently on the road.

The system works by storing propane in a pressurized onboard tank. As pressure is gradually released, the fuel travels to the engine where it’s burned for power.

How can your farm benefit from autogas?

If you depend on light and medium-duty vehicles to do work around your farm or ranch — or to transport your products offsite and pick up supplies and animals — then shifting them from gasoline or diesel to propane could make some considerable differences to your efficiency and profitability.

Consider these advantages of converting to autogas:

1. Meaningful Fuel Savings: Propane is primarily produced in the United States, helping shield fleets from the volatility of global energy markets. Many businesses reduce their fuel costs by 30% to 50% compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.
2. Tax Credits for Fueling Infrastructure: If you install qualifying propane autogas storage or dispensing equipment at your business, you may be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit. These incentives can significantly reduce your upfront infrastructure costs and make the transition to autogas even more affordable.
3. Dependable, High-Performance Operation: Propane autogas vehicles deliver reliable performance in all kinds of weather, including cold temperatures where other fuels can struggle. They start easily, require less maintenance over time, and can travel approximately 350 miles per tank — offering far greater range than many electric fleet vehicles.
4. Cleaner Emissions, Better Air Quality: Propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel, producing up to 20% less carbon monoxide, 40% fewer nitrogen oxides, and 10% less carbon dioxide. That means healthier air for your workers and your animals and crops.

How else can propane improve your agricultural operation?

Beyond fueling vehicles, propane is a true jack-of-all-trades in farms and ranches. Here are some of the other roles it fills in agricultural settings:

1. Crop drying: Propane-powered crop dryers can operate up to 50% more efficiently than other fuel options, helping farmers dry harvested crops faster and reduce the risk of spoilage.
2. Irrigation: Propane irrigation engines can lower fuel costs, improve efficiency, and reduce concerns about fuel theft or fuel degradation.
3. Weed control: Propane flame weed clearing eliminates unwanted plants without harsh chemicals, helping protect soil and groundwater.
4. Portable power: Propane generators provide dependable electricity for essential equipment and outbuildings, even during outages.
5. Heating barns and greenhouses: Propane delivers efficient, reliable heat for livestock, poultry houses, barns and greenhouses — without requiring a utility connection.

Let Superior Propane help you supercharge your operational productivity. We can set up autogas storage and pumps at your farm or ranch, plus help you with all other propane-related needs your business has. Our company serves customers in Prescott, Kingman and other northern Arizona communities.