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Today’s farmers face a tough balancing act between managing rising fuel costs, unpredictable weather, and increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. When it comes to irrigation—one of the most energy-intensive operations on a farm—choosing the right power source can make a significant impact on an agricultural business and its bottom line.
Traditionally, farmers have relied on diesel or electric engines to power their irrigation systems, but rising fuel costs, frequent maintenance, and growing environmental pressures are prompting them to question what the best energy choice is for their farm. For many producers, the answer is propane: a clean, efficient, and readily available energy source that’s transforming irrigation across the country.
Why Propane Makes Sense for Irrigation
Farming operations require powerful, reliable irrigation systems to ensure consistent crop yields, and propane delivers just that. Here are just a few reasons that farmers are making the switch to propane-powered irrigation, especially over diesel or electric options:
Cost Efficiency
Propane engines often provide lower fuel and maintenance costs than diesel or electric options. Propane’s stable pricing and fewer required components mean less downtime and more predictable budgeting.
Cleaner Environmental Profile
Propane is cleaner than diesel, producing significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. For producers looking to reduce their environmental footprint or meet state or federal emissions goals, propane is a strategic and sustainable step forward.
On-Site Fuel Storage and Availability
Propane is easy to store right on the farm and in bulk, ensuring irrigation engines can run even during electric grid outages or fuel supply disruptions—an especially critical advantage in remote or disaster-prone regions. And unlike diesel, the quality of propane doesn’t degrade over time, giving it a nearly indefinite shelf life.
Simplified Maintenance
Propane engines experience less carbon buildup and engine wear, reducing the need for frequent servicing and extending equipment life.
Reliable Performance
Modern propane engines deliver robust horsepower and torque that meet or exceed diesel performance benchmarks, making them well-suited for large-scale irrigation needs.
Real-World Example: Crain Orchards
Located in California’s Central Valley, Crain Orchards operates one of the region’s largest orchard systems, irrigating over 15,000 units with 40 engines running 1,000 hours annually. Already using propane to power forklifts and backup generators, the Crain team saw an opportunity to expand propane use for irrigation.
Their top reasons for choosing propane:
- Fuel availability and ability to store it on-site at their farm
- Ease of refueling across their large-scale operation
- Low operating and maintenance costs
- Environmental advantages to reduce their emissions footprint
- Reliable performance, particularly during peak irrigation seasons
The propane engine has been a seamless fit into their irrigation infrastructure, contributing to a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable operation.
Propane Farm Research Program
In 2024, Crain Orchards applied to the Propane Farm Research Program (PFRP) after purchasing a 22-liter PSI/Doosan propane-powered irrigation engine through dealer Sudden Service Inc and received compensation of $10,000 in return. Their purchasing decision came after evaluating diesel, electric, and natural gas systems. The decision wasn’t just about fuel—it was about the future.
“We needed something reliable that could scale with us and reduce our maintenance overhead,” said a Crain Orchards representative. “Propane was already working well for our other equipment, and with the PERC funding, it made financial sense to invest further.”
PERC’s Propane Farm Research Program is designed to help producers lower the barrier to propane adoption by offering financial compensation in exchange for performance data and engine usage feedback. For growers like Crain Orchards, the program provides the support needed to modernize infrastructure while contributing to broader propane research that benefits the entire agriculture industry.
Powering The Future with Propane
As agriculture faces new climate, cost, and sustainability challenges, fuel choice becomes a strategic decision. Propane isn’t just an alternative—it’s an upgrade. For growers seeking to improve irrigation performance while reducing operational burdens, propane-powered engines offer a well-rounded solution with lasting benefits.
PERC’s Propane Farm Research Program helps make the transition easy and affordable. By combining financial support with proven energy efficiency, PERC empowers growers to lead the charge in smarter, cleaner farming.
Explore the benefits of propane-powered irrigation engines and learn more about the Propane Farm Research Program at propane.com/PFRP.
