California Ag Network

Tag: PERC

  • Propane Council To Unveil Innovative Soil Steam Weeding at World Ag Expo

    The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is excited to introduce the first propane-powered soil steam unit for commercial use at the 2025 World Ag Expo February 11-13 in Tulare, CA. At the Western Propane Gas Association Booth (West Street WS20 and WS22), attendees can learn about propane’s pivitol role as a clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source in agriculture production.

    In addition to viewing a variety of propane-powered equipment, including irrigation engines, a mower, generator, and more, PERC will be hosting a press conference at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11 to present the new propane-powered soil steamer. This groundbreaking new technology is designed to eliminate weeds and nematodes without the need for pesticides or herbicides—offering growers an eco-friendly solution to critical farming challenges.

    “Propane is already an excellent choice for modern agriculture—naturally reducing emissions without compromising efficiency—but this new technology is really a game-changer when it comes to organic and more sustainable food production,” said Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “With this soil steam unit, growers can maintain the optimal crop production necessary to have a successful operation, while also satisfying consumer and regulatory demands for lower emissions and reduced chemical reliance. It’s a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.”

    This innovation is ideal for California’s high-value crops, including strawberries, carrots, lettuce, and cabbage. Using shallow steaming, the soil steamer applies steam to the top 1-2 inches of soil—the critical zone for weed seed germination—to ensure energy efficiency while achieving optimal results. Studies show that steam treatment can increase lettuce yields by 25% in areas affected by lettuce drop.

    The use of propane for soil steaming also offers growers a more reliable, low-emission energy source that is critical in California’s continuous growing season, without the risk of sudden power interruptions. Increasing demand on the electric grid system and system failures are no issue when it comes to the anytime, anywhere energy access available with propane.

    Stop by the Western Propane Gas Association booths (WS20, WS22) at World Ag Expo or visit www.Propane.com/SoilSteamer/. To explore propane’s benefits for agriculture and see how this innovative technology is shaping the future of sustainable farming overall, visit www.Propane.com/Agriculture.

    About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.

  • PERC Urges Producers to Consider Propane Heating Solutions for Reliable, Consistent Power Year-Round

    As winter weather quickly approaches, the Propane Education & Research Council urges producers to consider how propane can keep your operation running smoothly and livestock safe year-round, without worrying about peak pricing or power outages.

    Propane-powered building and water heating solutions offer reliable, consistent power independent of the grid—an invaluable asset for many agricultural operations. Propane equipment eliminates the risk of sudden power outages, which can wreak havoc on a farm or ranch. With propane equipment, producers do not have to rely on access to the power grid or a natural gas line.

    “With propane heating equipment, producers can take back more control over their farm, and the consistent and precise temperatures help them maintain healthier plants and animals,” said Mike Newland, Director of Ag Business Development at PERC. “At the same time, producers can cut unnecessary costs, saving 25 percent more with propane water heating versus electricity.”

    On-demand tankless water heaters achieve high efficiency by eliminating the thermal standby losses from a storage tank and demonstrate efficiencies of at least 90 percent. Propane-powered building heat—including boilers, hot air furnaces, or radiant heaters—are highly efficient and offer thermal efficiencies of up to 95 percent.

    For more information about propane-powered agricultural equipment and the Propane Education & Research Council visitwww.Propane.com/Agriculture.

  • Rural Energy for America Program Grant

    The Propane Education & Research Council encourages producers to apply for the United States Department of Ag (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, which offers funding for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Through the program, producers or small business owners can receive a 25 percent grant for replacing a diesel irrigation engine with a propane-powered engine.

    The USDA REAP recently announced Nov. 2 as its fall deadline for the Renewable Energy systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant, so PERC encourages interested applicants to act quickly to save even more on propane-powered engines.

    “With lower purchase costs and savings of up to 50 percent compared to diesel engines doing the same job, farmers are already saving big by switching to propane irrigation engines,” said Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “For anyone considering making these energy efficiency upgrades to their operation, now is the time to act and take advantage of additional savings with the USDA REAP program.”

    Funds can be used for the purchase and installation of a new propane-powered irrigation engine, and any agricultural producer who makes over 50 percent of gross income from agriculture is eligible to apply. The grant is good for up to 25 percent of the total upgrade cost, with a $1,500 minimum and $250,000 maximum.

    “There’s never been a better time to replace a diesel irrigation engine with a cleaner, more cost-effective propane alternative,” said Newland. “On top of cost savings, propane engines help meet strict emissions goals and can keep your ag operation running no matter where you live or what happens with the electric grid.”

    Grant applications will be accepted at local USDA offices through Nov. 2. Find your nearest USDA office, andget full program details.

    For more information about the USDA REAP Grant Program, visit https://propane.com/for-my-business/agriculture/usda-grant-information/.