Looking for ways to save on energy costs this fall? It might be time to upgrade your grain dryer.
Because today’s dryers are 30 to 50 percent more efficient than grain dryers produced 20 years ago, growers can see significant long-term savings by upgrading existing or purchasing a new dryer.
In Corn and Soybean Digest, Liz Morrison writes, “Continuous-mixed-flow dryers are 20-40% more fuel-efficient than typical cross-flow column dryers, consuming about 2,000 Btus/lb. of water removed, says Scott Sanford, a University of Wisconsin energy specialist. Heated air moves through the grain in both concurrent and counter-flow paths. ‘Due to intermittent exposure to heat, multiple airflow paths and multiple heat zones, mixed-flow dryers can be adjusted to optimize crop drying,’ Sanford says.”
If you’re planning to upgrade your equipment this spring, take advantage of the Propane Education & Research Council’s (PERC) Propane Farm Incentive Program.
Farmers who upgrade to cost-saving and efficient propane-fueled farm equipment can receive purchase incentives of up to $5,000 on qualified grain dryers, ag heaters, generators, irrigation engines and more.
Farmers can enroll in the program by completing the online application. Visit the PERC website for more information.
Photo courtsey of Flickr user carlwwycoff.