Propane inventory going into winter looks good for farmers that count on propane to dry grain and heat livestock facilities, shops and homes. That's the word from Cinch Munson, Propane Education and Research Council director of agriculture business development. In an interview at Husker Harvest Days in September, Munson said that propane storage capacity is considerably greater than it was three years ago, when there was a brief shortage of supplies, positioning the industry well to be able to cover demand going into winter.

TALKING PROPANE: Propane inventory looks strong going into winter, according to Cinch Munson, PERC agriculture business development director.

"I still recommend talking with your marketer about your readiness for winter," Munson said. "Also, talk to them about safety checks and possible fill schedules when they come out to fill your tanks."

Munson reminded farmers that PERC's Propane Farm Incentive Program offers up to $5,000 toward the purchase of qualifying propane-powered irrigation engines and other equipment to producers nationwide through the end of 2016. According to Munson, there will be changes made to the PERC farm incentive program going into 2017, so it is best to apply for the incentives now.

This has been a research project at its core, he said. "As part of the incentive, producers allow us to gather data that will be valuable in the development of improved efficiency farm products down the road," he explained.

As part of the PERC mission, the organization has also offered technical and financial assistance toward the development of numerous new products, and improved efficiency innovations over the years.

Nebraska Propane Gas Association offers an extra $750 incentive to producers who irrigate in Nebraska. Munson said that farmers reduced fuel costs by more than 58% last year by switching to propane irrigation engines.

"These savings combined with the money available through our incentive programs make for a really great opportunity for farmers to lower costs and experience the benefits of new, innovative propane technology," he said. "And I would encourage folks to take advantage of the Propane Farm Incentive Program before the program expires."

In 2015, 87 Propane Farm Incentive Program participants from 20 states installed and tested propane-powered irrigation engines from seven different manufacturers.

You can learn more at propanecouncil.org.