April 2017 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane Volume 73 No. 4

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

Expanded Incentives for Ag Wine on the Rise

Seeds of Opportunity: Upselling Your Ag Accounts

April 2017

You’re in Good Hands Staying Local is Your Priority and Ours Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back?

At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees.

As a Texas-based company, we focus on providing local service to our customers in the communities we do business and empowering our employees via competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Matt Terry Acquisitions and Strategic Development 210-560-5418

As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts.

For more information and a confidential assessment of your business, please call us today.

www.pinnpropane.com

Pinnacle Propane is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

TexasPropane April 2017

8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 (512) 836-8620 or (800) 325-7427 (512) 834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com Propane Service Corporation

Expanded Propane Incentives for the Farm

Features

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Seeds of Opportunity: Upselling Your Ag Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Wine on the Rise: Propane’s Utility in the Vineyards Recognized by Vintners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Debbie Simpson (800) 392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com

PERC Attends Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Plans Future Ag Outreach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Publisher

Setting Up a Facebook Business Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing (512) 346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net Kiki Pantaze Art Director (512) 924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Where in the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 People in Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Say Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classified Advertising.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Seeding Sales: Ag Market Offers Opportunities Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director Propane is fueling Texas farms all across the Lone Star State offering some large loads. There may be ways to integrate even more propane technologies into agriculture here in Texas and PERC has money to help you do it.

Read more about their expanded ag incentive program on Page 6. This month, Texas Propane also spotlights the booming wine industry and how some local wine makers here and across the United States are using propane to help.

This summer PERC will change their

Ag Outreach program from a “changing farmers perception that propane isn’t as powerful as diesel”, to address the efficiency, cost savings and versatility of propane fuel. It is slated to have a comprehensive set of marketing materials.

Staff continues to monitor ongoing legislation at the state Capitol, and will keep our members informed on the happenings there.

Registration is open for the 2017 TPGA Propane Expo & Conference at the Moody Gardens Resort in Galveston, TX. Go to www.tpgapropaneexpo. com for the full schedule and registration information.

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2017 CONVENTION Sponsors Golf Tournament Targa Resources Lanyards Keyera Energy Convention Tote Bag Enterprise Products Welcome Reception Westmor Industries Midstream Transportation President’s Cocktails Quality Steel Bishop Energy

New Members

AFFILIATE Fevig Oil & Propane Fredericksburg, TX SUPPLIER Cothern’s Tanker Inspections Caldwell, TX

2016-2017 TPGA Board of Directors President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 President-Elect: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 Secretary: Harris Baker, Pinnacle Propane, 512-306-0073 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Sam Fox, McCraw Propane, 469-261-1148 District 1 Director: Jim Vines, Cooper Propane, 903-785-5242 District 1 Alternate: April Welch, WelchGas, 903-577-1446 District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 4 Alternate: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2660 District 5 Director: Open District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 District 8 Alternate: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Sam Fox, McCraw Oil, 469-261-1148 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Lane Worthington, Sunoco, 325-835-3031 District 12 Director: John Gordon, Bob’s Fuels, 325-647-3619 District 12 Alternate: Laci Jo Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

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District 13 Director: Trini Hernandez, Fuel Mark, Inc., 432-381-4277 District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Open District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Past President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-5317 Past President: Hobie Sibley, 281-455-3673 Past President: Doug Maclay, Huffhines Propane, 972-225-2347 1st Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 2nd Vice President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 3rd Vice President: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Sr. Vice President: Wes Welch, WelchGas, 903-577-1446 Sr. Vice President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Assoc. Service Director: Anna May Etheredge, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Service Alternate: Jeff Severson, BAM Propane, 817-738-8224 Assoc. Producer Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Producer Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Mike Armstrong, Gas Equipment Company, 214-733-6328 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Mark Smith, Leran, 512-318-1840 Assoc. At Large Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. At Large Alternate: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Company, 214-638-8018 Nominating Committee Chair: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-2261 NPGA Director: Jim Bishop, Bishop Energy, 940-665-3457

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Incentives for

Farmers will Apply for Incentive through Select Equipment Dealers 6

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Do you have a farmer on the fence about switching to propane? The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has money to help. PERC provides research, product development, and consumer education for the use of propane equipment on agricultural operations. The Propane Farm Incentive Program (FIP) is a research project to gain feedback on the performance of an array of select propane-powered equipment in the field. Participating agricultural operations receive a financial incentive towards the purchase of qualifying equipment in exchange for monitoring the performance and sharing their experiences with PERC and their peers.

NEW as of April 1, 2017: Farmers will apply for Incentives through select equipment dealers and distributors, not directly to PERC. This change will take out a step in the application process. If customers have questions about the incentive, refer them to www.propane.com, and select “Incentive Programs” at the top of the page.

Propane on the Farm

April 2017 •

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Propane Farm Incentive Program registration packets are available from select equipment distributors and dealers. The agricultural operation is required to submit the completed registration packet via email, fax, or mail to qualify for an incentive. A completed registration must include: • Signed contract.

• Completed federal W-9 form.

• Pre-season survey completed and submitted online.

• Proof-of-purchase for qualifying equipment, purchased within 30 days of the application.

A post-season survey will be emailed to the applicant at the end of the program period. This survey must be completed and submitted online. Completion of the post-season survey is required to maintain eligibility for future incentives.

To qualify for the Propane Farm Incentive Program, agricultural producers must purchase qualifying propane-fueled equipment and meet the following criteria: • Participants must represent a farm or agribusiness and be at least 18 years of age. Participants will be asked to provide an appropriate tax identification number unique to the farm receiving the incentive.

• Equipment must be used on a U.S. farm as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in direct support of agricultural production or; • If not on a farm, equipment must be used in support of an agribusiness dedicated to the primary processing of any agricultural, horticultural or animal commodity.

• Participant must be a propane customer in good standing with his or her fuel supplier. PERC may contact the propane supplier(s) to verify the applicant’s account is not considered past due.

• Data collection is required of Propane Farm Incentive Program participants. As such, program participants are required to agree to the following conditions: • Commit to make every effort to use the equipment for at least one year.

• Track data regarding product performance such as fuel consumption, hours of operation, cost savings, and other information, and make available to PERC. • Submit updates on the performance of the equipment.

PERC may request additional input for the Propane Farm Incentive Program, including, but not limited to,

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

on-site equipment demonstrations, interviews about the performance of the equipment, or pictures/video showing the equipment being used in the field.

Qualifying Equipment The agricultural equipment listed below may be eligible for the program. Qualifying equipment and participating equipment dealers are subject to change at any point.

Propane-Powered Industrial Engines – New, EPA- and/or CARB-certified industrial engines used for agricultural purposes, typically in pumping applications, can qualify for $300/liter of displacement. E.g. irrigation engines.

Propane-Powered Generators for Prime Power – New, EPAand/or CARB-certified generators used for prime power for agricultural purposes can qualify for $30/kW. E.g. so generators and similar technology including the Well Watchman.

Propane-Powered Crop Dryers – New, high-efficiency upright tower grain dryers and high efficiency horizontal profile grain dryers can qualify for a $3000 incentive. The dryer must either be a new installation or a conversion from another power source.

Propane-Powered Water Heating Systems – New, high-efficiency water heating systems used in agricultural production operations are eligible for an incentive of $2000. The system must either be installed in new construction or as a conversion from another power source.

Propane-Powered Poultry, Swine, & Greenhouse Heating Systems – New poultry, swine, and greenhouse heating systems are eligible for an incentive of $0.10/square foot, up to $2000 maximum per system, when installed as part of an entire system installation. The complete heating system must either be installed in new construction or as a conversion from another power source.

Propane-Powered Flame Weed Control – New, flame weed control systems are eligible for an incentive of $1500.

Program Incentive Payments Each agricultural operation can qualify for incentives for a maximum of two (2) units of equipment per application and a maximum of six (6) units total per year. Maximum incentive per unit is $5000. Incentives are paid directly to the agricultural producer

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once the requisite paperwork is processed, typically within 30 business days of PERC receiving the completed Registration Packet from the equipment dealer.

Limitations The Propane Farm Incentive Program is not a rebate program.

The Propane Farm Incentive Program is a research initiative conducted by PERC. The purchase of propane-powered equipment does not guarantee eligibility for an incentive and not all applicants will qualify for an incentive. To ensure the most relevant and useful data is obtained through the program, PERC may deny a Propane Farm Incentive Program application even if all

eligibility requirements are met. Important criteria will be taken into consideration when selecting the best possible candidates for the program such as the applicant’s ability to record and supply data, the proximity to another Propane Farm Incentive Program applicant, total acreage and types of crops produced, and the number of gallons of propane used by the applicant, and the total number of equipment already in the program.

More Information For additional information or questions regarding the Propane Farm Incentive Program, please visit www. propane.com/farmincentive, email PERC at farmincentive@propane.com, or call 202-452-8975.

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Featured

Seeds of Opportunity: Upselling Your Ag Accounts

It’s the age-old question, with the age-old answer: “Who’s your new customer? The customer you already have!” All industries find the best new customer is the old customer, for they are the one that is easy to find, already appreciates your service, clearly believe in you and believe in your product.

Insurance companies “cross-sell” insurance policies, cable providers push “bundled” products with cell phone plans and internet access, and chain restaurants try to upsell soda sizes.

So it comes as no surprise that propane marketers might best expand their agriculture base by looking to their agriculture customers.

Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development for PERC, spends a lot of time talking with producers and technology experts. His best advice is to capitalize on the propane industry’s unique feature—its distribution system. Propane has a person on the ground delivering its product. Electricity and natural gas do not. Use it, he says. “Be present. Listen to your customers,” he continued. “Propane can be more than a fuel. You can be their business partner. You can train your delivery drivers to ask questions and provide follow up information if they have specific questions or problems.”

Munson doesn’t think you have to be an expert on each of the technologies, just know what those technologies are and be willing to connect your customers with experts who do know the technology.

“Propane is uniquely positioned to be a partner in growing their ag business,” Munson said. “A lot of these folks are off the grid and already believers in propane. Have conversations with them and help make the connections to new technologies.”

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Places for Growth Munson says he’s seen an uptick in rural areas adding prime power using propane. This is in areas where electricity rates have been rising. In addition, engine upgrades (generators, tractors, etc.) are especially attractive with the new Tier 4 final regulations in effect.“Diesel has a tough time reaching these attainment goals,” Munson said. “Many times they have to add expensive after treatment processes to get them within regulation.” This added cost of maintaining diesel equipment might provide a good incentive to update to cleaner burning propane equipment.

While Munson says you don’t have to be a technology expert to upsell your ag clients, you can share with them some of propane’s advantages when talking through equipment purchases.

How Propane Can Be Used on the Farm A farm can use around 100,000 gallons/year.

A listing of propane-powered equipment being used on the farm can never be complete. Here is a look at most of the ways propane is utilized on the farm. Ask yourself is propane doing all that is capable to currently with your ag customers?

Animal Heat. Mostly swine and poultry. Some dairy. Can use up to 30,000 gallons a year.

Animal and Bird Scarer. One of the most popular types of bird scarers used by farmers in Europe and America to protect their crops were the LPG powered gas guns, sometimes also called bird bangers or bird scaring canons, which produced a periodic loud explosion.

Featured Chipper & Shredder. A propane chipper or Bio Shredder shreds, tears, and breaks bulky debris and tree branches to mulch, compost or wood chips into manageable pieces that are easy to transport and economical to dispose of.

CO2 generation. Propane-powered CO2 generators are used to accelerate plant growth.

Crop Dryers. Drying produce such as cotton, grains, milk products, nuts & tobacco. New propane-powered grain dryer units are extremely efficient, use 50 percent less thermal energy than previous models. Propane has about 80 percent of the grain dryer market share.

Fertilizer. CO2 generation for plant growth enhancement.

Flame Weed Control. Propanepowered flame weed control is growing in popularity because it’s an environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides that is equally effective.

Can use between 4 and 10 gallons an acre. Typically, they utilize two treatments a year.

Greenhouse & Nursery Heaters. Propane greenhouse heaters are ideal for both gardeners and garden businesses as they are highly useful and practical appliances for maintaining a nice humid temp in the greenhouse.

Incineration. Propane waste management is used on poultry, pig and cattle farms.

Irrigation Engines. There are over 50 models ranging from 1.5L to 21.9L with over 10 OEMs manufacturing propane irrigation engines. Texas markets include: Texas Panhandle, Coastal Prairies or Rio Grande Valley. While electric irrigation dominates the market, in Texas there are 2,468 diesel irrigation engines that could be replaced with propane. According to a 2013 USDA study, there are only 124 propane irrigation engine in operation in Texas.

Mowers. Propane-powered commercial mowers can provide an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly option for lawn maintenance. Several farmers have used the Propane Council of Texas Mower Incentive Program to add a mower to their operations.

Orchard Heaters. Each year, approximately 5-15 percent of the world’s crops are damaged by cold temperatures. Orchard heaters are commonly used in various areas of the world to prevent frost damage to fruit and fruit trees.

Pressure Washers. These hot water pressure washers are most popularly used by pork producers to sanitize pens, machinery and other farm equipment. (see also water heating).

Prime Power & Standby Generators. For several areas in the nation where electricity or natural gas have spiked in prices, farmers have been making the switch to prime power generation.

Propane-powered standby generators provide farmers with an additional layer of security because propane does not degrade over time like gasoline or diesel.

Soybean Roasters. Farmers have a consistent need to roast or dry many ag products including: soybeans, corn and other bean products.

Thermaculture. It uses propane to create heat that is blown out one side of the machinery and onto crops. This treatment dries and saves crops from rain damage by preventing rot resulting in higher crop yields. Additionally, thermaculture reduces some fungal and insect populations.

Tractor. New Holland has developed a prototype propanepowered tractor that they have displaying globally including Texas to gauge interest with the agricultural community.

Trucks and Other Vehicles. Propane-powered light-duty pickups offer farmers an American-made fuel option with lower operating costs and lower emissions than those running on gasoline or diesel. OEM models available from Ford & GM dealers.

Water Pump. Used across the world, propane-powered pumps are used to pump water from wells, ponds, and frack water. In Texas, there is growing popularity for propane well pumps to pump water for cattle. Its great competition against diesel, because diesel cannot cycle on and off like propane can.

Water Heating. A growing number of farmers are using propanepowered water heaters in their operations from fish farms to sanitation.

Wind Machines. Propane-powered wind machines are one of the most cost effective methods for frost protection under radiation freeze conditions.

How much propane could ag products use annually?

Animal Heat 30,000 Greenhouse Heat 20,000 Grain Dryer 20,000 Irrigation Engine 4,000 - 10,000 Generator 5,000 Tractor 5,000 Wind Machine 5,000 Orchard Heater 5,000 Vehicle 2,000 Weed Flamer 1,000 Water Heat 1,000 Forklift 1,000 Mower 500 **Based on a PERC survey of participants at the 2015 Ag Expo

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Featured

Wine on the Rise

Propane’s Utility in the Vineyards Recognized by Vintners

By Kimberly Scheberle

Propane’s usefulness has never been lost on farmers and the agriculture industry. They were the initial adopters of this clean, mobile, efficient fuel. So it comes as no surprise that even farmers at the more prestigious end of the spectrum have great appreciation and use for propane’s many talents.

Which is good for propane. Grapes are the highest value fruit crop in the United Sates and the sixth largest fruit crop in the country, according to data from Wine America, a trade group that promotes the wine industry’s interests. In addition, nearly one million acres of grape bearing land is planted (in 2014) in the United States.

While California claims the lion’s share of wine producing land, Texas has been steadily increasing its number of acres planted and wineries across the state. According to the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, Texas has over 4,000 acres of producing vineyard farmland and 400 wineries (G permit issued by TABC as of January 1, 2017).

Even TPGA member Matheson Tri-Gas has an entire division, Matheson Wine, dedicated to servicing the winemaking industry and vineyards. They sell everything from nitrogen to propane.

The propane is used in the vineyards for heating, cutting and brazing as well as heating and power generation.

Technology to care for these fragile fruits continues to evolve and there is a variety of propane-powered equipment available for grape growers and vintners.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Irrigation Engines Propane powered irrigation engines are one of the best values for farmers, including wineries. From 2008 to 2013, 25 percent more farmers added propane irrigation engines to their operations; that’s more than 6,000 farms, irrigating 1.1 million acres.

Propane irrigation engines produce 20 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline engines, and 11 percent fewer emissions than diesel engines. For producers this also means fewer engine deposits, less maintenance, and ultimately, longer-lasting equipment.

New propane-powered engines typically cost 20 to 40 percent less than diesel engines for comparable power. When you factor in the Propane Farm Incentive Program (see page 6) or other available local incentives, the upfront costs are even less.

Once a farmer starts operating their engine, the savings continue to add up. Most farmers save 40 percent or more compared with a diesel-fueled engine doing the same job. And compared with natural gas, a propane-powered engine provides 10 percent more horsepower per unit.

Agrothermal Systems/Thermal Plant Treatment Agrothermal Systems has pioneered the use of Thermaculture® treatment services, a new methodology for managing crops using heat. Their heat treatment is applied to plants through a tractor pulled machine at various stages throughout the growing cycle.

This system is used in vineyards and orchards with row-type crop arrangements. Warm airflow is directed at the crops while driving between the vine rows.

The thermal treatment technology can best be described as the application of heated air at a minimum of 150°C (302°F) expelled at a wind velocity of 35 MPH (56 - 160 KPH) onto crops from a farm-tractor pulled machine moving at 3 - 4 MPH (5 - 6 KPH). This basic treatment protocol has remained consistent in most all of the testing done or being done since 2001. The treatment is applied periodically from bud to harvest during the

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growing season depending upon local climatic conditions and the benefits being targeted.

During the early testing years of the technique (2007 - 2010) it became clear that the heat blast treatment to control pests also had effects beyond pest control. Observations regarding improvements in fruit quality and plant health led to an eventual filing of a new patent under the umbrella concept of Thermal Plant Treatment (TPT). After extensive vineyard treatment trials and experimental treatment timing, frequency and intensity from 2012 - 2015, it is clear that many problems can be solved using heat in the vineyard especially when nature fails to provide sufficient heat for fruit set and crop development. Agrothermal Systems has pioneered specific protocols for solving specific vineyard problems to address these climatic needs including insufficient heat and excessive moisture.

The equipment used to apply the Thermaculture® treatment services uses between 4 to 8 gallons per acre and is used at least a few times a year. In some cases, it is applied 10 to 12 times a year.

Wind machines Wind machines are one of the most cost effective methods for frost protection under radiation freeze conditions.

The principle underlying their value is that during the day, the sun warms the soil and plants and then at night, this lighter warm air rises, leaving a colder mass of air near the earth’s surface.

This higher, warmer air is called a temperature inversion.

Wind machines capitalize on the inversion development in a radiation frost and work with nature to pull the warmer air down into the orchard or growing field to raise temperatures and save crops. The effect is essentially that of a large fan that mixes the air within and above the orchard so that the average air temperature near the ground is raised.

They became more widely accepted during the 1940s and 1950s and are used on a wide variety of crops including grapevines, deciduous trees and citrus.

Growers typically install wind machines when trees are 7 to 8 years old and can use them over 30 years.

Wind machines generally consist of a steel tower with a large rotating fan near the top. There is usually a two- or four-blade fan with a diameter typically varying from 3 to 6 m. The typical height for fans is about 10-11 m above ground level. However, lower heights are used for lower canopies.

There are three types of wind machines available on the market: 1. Tower machines are the most common type. With a blade that is positioned at a slight tilt from perpendicular to the ground, they are designed to draw warm air from above down and mix it with the colder air at the surface as the head rotates around the tower.

2. Tower-less machines that are designed to blow the cold air near the ground upward to mix with the warmer air above and circulate back.

3. Ground-level mobile machines (frost fans) that blow cold air out of the site and permit warmer air from above to replace it can be effective depending on the strength of the inversion and contour of the site. These units are positioned near the highest point on a site in a natural air drainage pathway to improve the cold air flow.

In general, wind machines used about 8 to 13 gallons of propane per hour and one unit can cover 10 to 13 acres.

Orchard Heaters Each year, approximately 5-15 percent of the world’s crops is damaged by cold temperatures. Orchard heaters are commonly used in various areas of the world to prevent frost damage to fruit and fruit trees.

Traditional heaters have been found to be less user-friendly and can lose up to 85 percent of the heat produced due to radiation into the earth and sky (known as the “stack effect”).

LPG’s high heat content combined with the unique designs of modern heaters ensures that a greater percentage of heat to radiate directly into the crops, thus increasing the efficiency of crop protection.

There are three types of heaters suitable for use in horticulture.

Direct fired heaters provide economical and efficient frost protection during the cold months, but can also supply fresh unheated air for April 2017 •

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Featured California Case Study Doug Boyer had always wanted to work on a ranch. When he came across a remote vineyard property in Creston, Calif. with 22 acres of vines already planted, he seized the opportunity. Thirteen years later, Boyer’s operation, Last Frontier Vineyards, has 35.5 acres and more than 22,000 vines of Cabernet and white Rhônestyle grapes. With costs for water, chemicals, and farm labor on the rise, the businessman side of Boyer was looking for ways to improve efficiency and save money. By switching from a dieselpowered irrigation engine to a propane-powered 4.3-liter GM engine, Boyer has significantly reduced his energy costs.

The sandy loam soil at Boyer’s ranch only averages about 12 inches of rain per year, forcing Boyer to irrigate to produce the yields he needs to be profitable. After ten years of using an old diesel engine to handle his irrigation, Boyer’s engine dealer told him about the 4.3-liter GM engine, a V6 engine that is both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wind Machines vs. Orchard Heaters: and California Air Resources A Texas Take Board (CARB) certified to run on propane. He purchased the One of propane’s primary purpose in vineyards and orchards is providing frost engine from local propane enprotection (the other being irrigation). There are several ways to get at that using gine provider, TGP West, who propane. Using wind machines, using ground heaters, or using a combination of told him about purchase inthe two. centives available through the Bill Day, owner of Buena Suerte Vineyards, told the Texas Wine Lover (an online Propane Farm Incentive Prosite for wine news and information), that he chose orchard heaters over wind magram, sponsored by the Prochines because he felt he needed the extra protection. He cited that wind machines pane Education & Research do well down to about 27 degrees, while the heaters he picked protect down to 22 Council. degrees. On the High Plains, where his acreage is located, he felt he needed those By agreeing to keep record extra degrees. of engine performance and efFor his 50 acres, he estimated that he would need 15 heaters, as opposed to six ficiency, Boyer received $1,720 wind machines. toward the purchase of his Other Texas growers have incorporated wind machines into their site protection. new propane engine.

Andy Timmons with Lost Draw Vineyards reported to Texas Wine Lover (txAs 2013 was an extremely winelover.com) that he was pleased with his wind machines’ performance during a dry year in the Central Valley freeze episode. of California, Boyer wasted A reason many have turned to wind machines over orchard heaters is simple no time and began putting his mathematics. It takes 25+ orchard heaters to cover an acre of property; one wind new engine to the test in early machine (though six times the cost) can cover between 10 and 13 acres.

February. He expected his fuel That said, an effectively installed wind machine can even provide more even sufcosts to be higher in 2013 due ficient frost protection when used in conjunction with uniformly scattered orchard to extremely dry conditions, heaters. but the efficiency of the new The combination provides adequate protection for even the colder locations. The engine and the competitive wind machine will protect the grove for some of the nights by itself, but for the very price of propane combined to cold nights, the heaters are available to add heat and thus provide positive proteckeep expenses down. tion. Usually the heaters are lighted whenever the wind machines cannot maintain By switching to propane, the temperatures above the danger point. This combination method has the adBoyer was able to decrease his vantage over heaters used alone, in that it is cheaper, while providing as complete energy costs per hour by 37 protection. percent. He had been paying When these two methods are combined, the required number of heaters per acre approximately $11 per hour to is reduced by about half. run his diesel engine in 2012, Other methods growers utilize during periods of freezing temperatures are burnbut paid only $6.88 per hour ing haybales around the vineyard and employing helicopters to fly over the vineyard to irrigate using the propane to push warm air back down (the same inversion technique that wind machines engine during 2013. Boyer is employ). also happy to note that because propane is non-toxic, the

summertime ventilation. Indirect fired and unit cabinet heaters are capable of increasing the heat by 10-15° without damaging crops.

For frost protection, radiant energy is more efficient than heated air, and the radiation emanates best from a hot, solid surface (e.g., a steel smokestack of a heater). Radiant heaters directly warm a precise location by radiating infrared heat. No heat is wasted nor do they circulate dust, so they are ideal when a clean atmosphere is required. A portion of the combustion is converted to sensible heat as heated air and gasses from the flame. As this heated air rises and mixes within the inversion, it can warm the leaves, fruit, and branches.

While the amount of propane used by an orchard heater can vary fairly widely based on many factors, in general they use about 1 gallon per heater per house. Producers could need between 25 to 50 units per acre.

14

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Featured fuel poses no risk of soil contamination through fuel leaks.

The engine also reduces emissions, is quieter, and easier to operate.

“I’m really happy with my propane-powered irrigation engine,” Boyer said. “For me the decision revolved around the cost of the fuel. The propane engine uses a little bit more fuel per hour than the diesel engine, as expected, but the cost of fuel is so low that it is worth it. To top it off , the new engine is really simple and I enjoy the ease of use.” Boyer’s results are typical, since propane contains less energy per gallon than diesel.

When replacing diesel with propane, PERC research indicates farmers can expect to consume 1.5 to 1.6 gallons of propane to do the same work as one gallon of diesel.

Vineyards provide many opportunities for Texas propane marketers from agricultural applications to back up power generation.

Texas’ Wine Country An AVA is an American Viticulture Area (Grape Growing Area) designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. According to the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, Texas has eight AVAs, although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 85% of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region.

The Texas Hill Country is the largest viticultural area in the state and the second largest in the United States. It is distributed over an area of approximately 9 million acres. This area sits on the Edwards plateau and it comprises many hills and steep canyons.

The Texas High Plains is located west of Lubbock in the Panhandle at an elevation of 3000-4000 feet, the climate of this appellation is very dry. The Texas High Plains AVA encompasses over 8 million acres and grows over 80% of Texas’ wine grapes.

Bell Mountain was designated in 1986 as the first established AVA in Texas, covering five square acres. It is 15 miles north of Fredericksburg within the Texas Hill Country.

The Fredericksburg viticultural area covers about 110 acres and is located in the Texas Hill Country.

Escondido Valley was established in 1992 and covers 50 square miles in Pecos County in far West Texas, located near Fort Stockton.

Located at the far western tip of the Texas border north and west of El Paso, the Mesilla Valley is hot and dry with a long growing season.

The Texas Davis Mountains in west Texas is cool and wet at an elevation ranging from 4,500 to 8,300 feet.

Located in north-central Texas, Texoma contains approximately 3,650 square miles along the Texas-Oklahoma line.

Where in the World

Perez Cruz Vineyards At the foothills of the Andes Mountains outside of Santiago, Chile is the Perez Cruz Vineyard.

The Chilean vineyard is dedicated to making superb red wines in the Maipo Valley.

The vineyard was started in the 1990s by the Perez Cruz family entrepreneurs in gas and electric. Matias Perez is actually a former World LP Gas Association board member and former President of Gasco, a South American propane and natural gas company, where he served from 2001 -2010. He currently is still involved in Gasco as a board member.

Huffington Post recently described Vina Perez Cruz as an innovative vineyard dedicated to sustainability. Part of that sustainability is using propane on the vineyard in operations as well as the winemaking process.

Matias and Gasco see prime opportunities for propane in Chile, including agricultural wind mills for frost protection.

April 2017 •

Texas Propane

15

Featured

PERC Attends Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Plans Future Ag Outreach

The Propane Education & Research Council recently brought the propane message to farmers, growers and ranchers who were attending the Commodity Classic, one of the nation’s largest agricultural conventions and tradeshows. The event was held in San Antonio in early March of this year.

More than 9,000 people attended the event this year, which included 4,100 farmer operator decision makers. There were 425 companies exhibiting and 162 registered members of the media.

On display in PERC’s booth was a Ford F-150 with a Westport fuel system. Next to PERC, in the New Holland booth, was the propane-powered Alternative-Fuels Concept tractor with a propane dispenser cabinet from Berquist with the Quick Connect Nozzle on display for interaction. PERC also showed a variety of additional ag equipment through signage, collateral, and in-booth videos.

Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development for PERC, was one of several PERC representatives who attended the show. Munson says attendees were eager to talk to PERC about propane, estimating that 300 visitors stopped to ask questions at the booth.

“Interest was really high,” Munson says. “It was a lot of foot traffic in the booth.”

“I think the thing that stood out to me the most was that I’d say 90 percent of the folks coming by wanted to talk about the Ford pick-up. Most farmers are not unfamiliar with propane, and a lot of them were sharing their stories about their old propane trucks that they had long ago or still had running on their land.”

16

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Munson says they were very interested in hearing about the new technologies for propane engines. Many producers were also surprised to find out that the Ford F-150 was available from dealers and that other manufacturers will be offering propane-powered models as well. After learning of the advancements in propane-powered on-road vehicles, PERC would take producers over to the New Holland booth to learn about the alt-fuels tractor and experience how easy refueling is with the new Quick Connect nozzles.

Munson was available for questions near the tractor and also conducted some in-booth market research to gauge producers’ interest in the alt-fuels tractor and ask what they believed the most important attributes to be in an alt-fuels tractor.

PERC Ag Outreach Munson says that PERC continuously works on outreach efforts toward the agriculture market. Considering that there are 830,000 farms in the United States that use propane, there’s good reason.

PERC is currently winding down what they termed the “Power to Farm” campaign, which worked on changing farmers’ perceptions on the notion that propane isn’t as powerful as diesel.

“There are still folks out there who haven’t gotten the message about what current propane technology can do,” Munson said.

The campaign mostly consists of marketing materials, including a landing page on the propane.com website, case studies, press releases and advertising directing producers to the information on the web pages.

Starting this summer, PERC will be adjusting the campaign to be more versatile. “I guess you could call it the ‘Versatility Campaign’,” Munson said. It will address the efficiency, cost savings and versatility of propane fuel.

The campaign is in development right now, but is slated to include a comprehensive set of marketing materials including digital and video assets, radio ads, a micro-site and press releases, among things.

Additionally, there will be materials for propane marketers on how to grow their agriculture business.

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April 2017 •

Texas Propane

17

Safety Talk

Handling Cylinders Safety Meeting 3 3 3 3

placing on the bottom shelf.

Support your upper body to avoid back strain.

If using a handcart, move it slowly and use your legs and upper body muscles for power.

It is always better to push than pull.

If you see a falling cylinder, let it fall! Don’t risk the chance of getting hit or straining yourself.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR HANDLING 420 lb. CYLINDERS:

As one the biggest cylinders you will move without a crane, 420# cylinders require extra caution: 3 Before attempting any move, review your path and clear obstacles, identify whether the cylin-der is full or empty (and thus its weight), and determine what equipment or assistance is needed.

3 W hen you need to lay the cylinder down or stand it up, get a broad base of support. Get close to the load, get a good grip on the collar, arch your back, and lift smoothly using your legs.

3 If you have to drag the cylinder on the ground, use a plastic tarp to reduce friction and make the load easier to move. Use steady, smooth movements and keep your back arched.

3 To move a 420 lb. cylinder on hard surfaces, roll it on the foot ring. Keep a stable stance with your elbows close to your body.

3 For soft or uneven surfaces, a cylinder can be rolled on its side if it is safe to do so. Consider: — If there is gas in the cylinder, the relief valve may be in the liquid space.

• Do not leave the cylinder on its side any longer than necessary.

• The more gas there is, the harder it will be to control.

• The gauge float may become damaged by rolling, especially if the cylinder is empty.

Handling cylinders is an important part of your daily routine.

The following guidelines can help you ensure against hazards, ease physical demands, and avoid injury. However, never attempt to move a propane cylinder of any kind if you feel it is too risky or do not have the necessary resources to do it safely.

TECHNIQUES FOR LIFTING, MOVING, OR CARRYING A CYLINDER: 3 Always try to reduce strain, force, and repetition. Rotate job

3

3

3 3

18

tasks, use different muscle groups, and keep your work positioned between your waist and chest. Eliminate any issue that increases lifting height.

When loading cylinders onto a truck, push the bottoms of cylinders onto the bed to minimize shoulder strain. Organize loads to avoid unnecessary work or reloading.

When unloading cylinders, remove all straps to prevent awkward body mechanics. Park the truck to minimize transport distance.

When carrying the cylinder, keep it close to your body and keep your back in a neutral position.

If you are placing it in a cage, do not bend at the waist when

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Discussion Topics 1. You have spent most of the morning moving cylinders and your back and neck are starting to get sore. What should you do?

2. S hortly after you start moving a 420 lb. cylinder, it gets stuck in soft ground conditions. What measures should be taken to remove it? Do these steps change for a filled tank versus an empty one?

LEARNING ACTIVITY Have a 420 lb. cylinder available and discuss how to move it safely under various conditions. Provide for hands-on practice and Q&A.

For more information about handling cylinders, visit propanesafety.com.

Source: Propane Personal Safety (PERC)

100% Family Owned, Operated and Funded in the USA since 1994

April 2017 •

Texas Propane

19

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Lynn Gray of Dixie LP Gas was honored by Hill College on March 24, 2017 as a Pillar of the Community at the 12th annual Boots and Suits Gala at the Cleburne Conference Center. The event raised over $65,0000 to fund student scholarships, facility upgrades for the Bob Bullock Sports Center and the Fire Protection Technology program. Kudos!

connected with the propane community and continue refining your expertise. The Hub will continue to create more and more learning opportunities as time progresses.

Go to www.propanecouncil.org/MTSTdigital/ to visit the PERC Marketer Learning Hub. New “Our Amazing Farm” Video Series to Educate Kids

PERC Launches First Ever Wikipedia Page

Everyone’s favorite online encyclopedia now features PERC’s history, successes, and programs achieved during the past 20 years. This page will drive consumer awareness and education about our Council and its impact on the industry.

Remember, it’s still not okay to cite Wikipedia for your homework.

PERC Marketer Learning Hub

The PERC Marketer Technology Sales Training classroom experience is expanding into a digital space. You can now get classroom sales theory, market insight, and sales practice from your house, office—anywhere digital can go.

PERC’s new Learning Hub is a digital space where you can explore, learn, and refine your propane know-how. The hub

includes online training modules that provide an in-depth look at specific sales opportunities like residential and autogas.

In addition, there are shorter learning sessions to introduce product and marketing campaign resources such as videos, case studies, fact sheets, etc. designed to support your company’s sales efforts.

The Hub connects you to other propane professionals through its social features and shared activities. Earn points for completing the activities and reach the top of the leader board. There may just be a prize for you.

Now wherever you are, you can stay

Let the company that knows your business, protect your business

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) launched “Our Amazing Farm,” a series of three safety awareness videos designed for children and youths to better understand farm safety and propane’s role in helping to feed the world in a sustainable way.

The three video segments — “Propane Safety,” “Play it Safe on the Farm,” and “Sustainability: Creating a Better Tomorrow” — focus on propane’s role on the farm, while integrating general and propane-related safety tips.

The videos are the first component of a comprehensive, propane-focused program about agricultural safety. They feature a high-energy, kid-friendly host, Propane Paul, who interacts with children and other characters while teaching farm safety.

They teach kids what propane smells like and what they should do in case of an emergency, as well as explaining how to make smart choices about farm and propane safety. For example, kids should play only in designated areas away from machinery and vehicles - and never ride ATVs or bicycles near propane tanks and equipment.

“Propane Paul brings just the right blend of humor, energy, and credibility to the videos, as well as a ‘coolness’ factor that kids of all ages will relate to,” said Stuart Flatow, PERC’s vice president of safety & training.

“The propane industry recognized a need to develop an innovative and sus-

Inside the Industry tainable agricultural safety program,” Flatow continued. “Propane is used in a wide range of applications on farms, orchards, and ranches throughout the United States, and there are few agricultural programs or materials that directly address propane safety. Our goal is to change that, with a major emphasis on children’s safety.”

A series of Web-based games and activities targeted to children under 14 years old is also planned, as well as six fun and informative science experiments on videos to educate students about propane in agriculture. PERC will also offer a number of e-learning modules on important safety issues that farmers and ranchers encounter as part of their normal operations.

PERC will maximize visibility of the program through an expansive outreach initiative and partnerships with key agricultural and child safety stakeholders The Our Amazing Farm video series can be viewed at propane.com/amazing-farm.

Ag Propane SalesLink

There are a lot of great things happening where propane and agriculture intersect.

The Propane Education and Research Council’s Ag Propane SalesLink email is a great way to learn more about these important happenings in the marketplace.

Sign up today, and feel free to share your Ag Propane SalesLink emails with others.

Sign up at http://www.propane.com/agriculture/saleslink-enewsletter/ Bring Blue to Your Office

Make it easy for consumers to associate your business with the PROUDLY PROPANE Clean American Energy® campaign ads on TV, on radio, in print, and online.

Act now and get new window clings, decals, bumper stickers, and a Blue cardboard cutout to add to your offices, showrooms, and vehicles.

See what’s new on at www.propanecouncil.org/ resources.

Want a chance to win a Blue cardboard cutout?

Play PERC’s PROUDLY PROPANE Clean American Energy® We’ve Got the Blues Contest for a chance to win one of five

new Blue cardboard cutouts to display in your office.

Any propane industry member can take part by correctly answering one of the contest’s weekly questions posted on Facebook each Friday until April 21. If you answer correctly, we’ll enter you into that week’s drawing for a chance to win a free Blue cardboard cutout from the propane catalog.

Visit PERC’s Proudly Propane Facebook page www.facebook.com/proudlypropane to play.

AFV Summit at Earth Day Texas

April 20, 2017 – Dallas, TX The National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day is the largest, nationwide

A re Y ou

GAMBLING W ith your insurance?

Other propane owners have come to our agency to cover their insurance bets: 1) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available; 2) Many have discovered a gap in coverage after meeting with us; 3) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent.

“We recommend Marshall Young Insurance to our business associates who are looking for a family style insurance company for their business needs. Whether by phone, email or in person – our concerns are always met with a prompt & courteous response.

They are concerned with our service from the beginning to end.”

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Texas Propane

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Inside the Industry event dedicated to promoting the use of and educating numerous audiences on alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. As part of Odyssey, the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Consortium (NAFTC) is partnering with Earth Day Texas to hold Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Summit on April 20, 2017 at Fair Park in Dallas. 75-100 fleets are expected to attend the AFV Summit.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is major sponsor of the event. The Propane Council of Texas will be representing PERC on the local level at the AFV Summit.

Each session (gaseous fuels, biofuels, and electric drive) will include a panel presenting perspectives, from fleet management, municipalities, industry organizations, manufacturers, etc., on the fuel.

Topics will include fuel and conversion costs, maintenance, emerging technologies, infrastructure, and public perceptions.

Register for the AFV Summit at https://www.afvdayodyssey.org/afvsummit-naftc-and-earth-day-tx/.

In addition to the Summit, there will be

a public event called Earth Day Texas, the world’s largest Earth Day event, on April 21-23, 2017 also at Fair Park. The family

friendly event will host over 700 exhibitors and 250 speakers include sessions, exhibits, live music, food and kid activities.

A Look Back…1956 New Coil Helps Tired Engines

A high frequency coil designed to produce maximum horsepower from high octane fuels is available. It works equally well on high-test gasoline and LP Gas engines.

Interesting Tidbits

Theme song for 1956 – How to Get More Profit Out of the Same Dollar.

The TBDA received a perfect score on the Second Annual Safe Driving Day from the President’s Committee for Traffic Safety and the Governors office.

Reported in the prior year, the LPG Division of the Railroad Commission processed 713 people who successfully passed the qualifying examinations.

Space-Mizer LP Gas Dispenser comes in 1000, 2000 or 3000 WG capacity and is completely self-contained.

Gas is set to top oil for house heat as gas central heating equipment sales are expected to exceed records set in 1955.

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(800) 821-0631

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Inside the Industry To learn more about this event, please visit http://earthdaytx.org/.

TPGA Scholarships Due May 15, 2017

script. Evaluations are no longer required.

For more information, qualifications, and the applicable forms, please visit www.txpropane.com and click on the TPGA Scholarship tab.

For questions, please call (800)325-7427.

SNAP-FILL Filling Valve

innovative propane filling valve for forklifts and riding mowers

Faster Connection • Lower Emissions • Ergonomic Don’t forget the Texas Propane Gas Associations offers its members an opportunity for our your children and grandchildren to apply for funding for college.

For nearly 20 years, the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) Scholarship Foundation has awarded exceptional college hopefuls funding for higher education.

The scholarship foundation awards funding for the most stand out wellrounded students who will be pursuing a degree from a two-year college, four-year university, or who will be enrolled in technical school.

How to apply? Eligible applicants must submit a completed application and send a tran-

Safe Convenient Reliable Simple to Use

Check out this link for the Snap-Fill Video:http://www.bergquistinc.com/academy/education/videos/new-snap-fill-forklift-mower-cylinder-valve-cavagna

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Your questions answered by the people who know propane equipment.

RS OF TION A E Y 0 7 BRICA A F K C NK TRU

TA White River Distributors, Inc. has been an industry leader since 1944, with a staff of sales professionals with over 100 years of experience to help make your purchase an easy one. We have tanks 600 to 8000 gallons, your choice of chassis. Build to your specifications. New, used, and refurbished propane bobtails, change-overs, and repairs. Financing available, delivery service available. Trade-ins Accepted. Pick up the phone and give us a call.

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Contact Danny McElroy at the Southwest Sales Center Dallas, Texas 1-800-483-9971 • danmcelroy@aol.com April 2017 •

Texas Propane

23

The Marketing Minute

Setting Up a Facebook Business Page ing your page • F acebook ad capability – low cost • Ability to run contests Creating a Facebook Business Page

Over 50 million local business pages have been set up as of the end of 2016.

Does your propane company have a Facebook Business Page?

In March, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) hosted two webinars focused on helping Texas propane companies get started on Facebook. Here’s what the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) learned from the webinar and more.

Why Have a Facebook Business Page?

• It’s FREE • 1.19 billion Facebook users • Increase traffic to your website includes link to your website • Let current and prospective customers get to know your business better • Market propane and propane products you sell • Analytics/insights into whose visit-

D.L.Morrison Welding & Construction L.P. MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Testing & Inspecting MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Repair & Re-furbish Storage Installation Compressor Repair 217 Morrison Hill Lane • Gainesville,Tx. 76240 Ricky Taylor 940-727-8608 • Mason Day 940-727-1355 Fax 940-612-2055 E-mail ricky_taylor62@yahoo.com 24

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

You must first have an individual Facebook profile before setting up a page.

1. Go to www.facebook.com/pages/create 2. Click the choose a Page category (Local Business/Place) 3. Select a more specific category (Local Service) from the dropdown menu and fill out the required information 4. Click Get Started and follow the onscreen instructions Tip: You can add your company logo where it says profile pic.

Facebook Business Page Management

You can give access to multiple people in your company that help you manage and update your Facebook page with content.

To give someone a role on your Facebook page: The page administrator can: 1. Click Settings at the top of your Page.

2. Click Page Roles in the left column.

3. Type a name of person or email in the box: 4. If the person is your Facebook friend, begin typing their name and select them from the list that appears.

5. If the person isn’t your Facebook friend, type the email address associated with their Facebook account.

6. Click Editor to select a role from the dropdown menu.

7. Click Save and enter your password to confirm.

Custom URL

Once you set up your Facebook Business Page and you receive 25 likes, you can customize the url to whatever you want. E.g. instead of www.facebook.com/123456789 it would read www.facebook.com/xyzpropanecompany or your chosen name.

Posting

Recommend not more than 1-2 posts per day. Adding pictures to your post get higher engagement than text only posts.

See something cool that you want to share with customers. Those with Facebook business pages can save the content for later.

Also, in addition to saving content, you can actually schedule posts for a day and time you want it to go out. So if you will not be a computer during peak Facebook times below you can always schedule it beforehand.

Best times for visibility

• 8am – 10am; 12pm – 2pm; and 5pm – 7pm • Thursday & Fridays around 4pm best for engagement • Saturdays are the best for having others share your post.

Have questions on getting started?

Visit https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/set-up-facebook-page or contact PERC’s Senior Manager for Social & Digital Media Ryan Dutcher can help.

Contact him at 202-475-2975 or by email at ryan.dutcher@propane.com.

Stay tuned! PERC plans to hold more advanced webinars on how you can use Facebook for your business.

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Be sure to visit our on-line catalog CGProducts.com April 2017 •

Texas Propane

25

Say

Cheese

Anna May Etheredge of Bishop Energy/Enderby Gas and TPGA President-Elect John Walter of Schneider Distributing are all smiles at the recent TPGA board meeting dinner.

Debra Wells of Baygas and District 1 Alternate Director April Welch of WelchGas have a cocktail before the recent TPGA board dinner in Austin.

Sean Caney of Douglass Distributing and Assoc. Supplier At Large Alternate Director Tracy Wells of Gas Equipment Company at the recent TPGA board dinner.

Larry Baty of Cadenhead Gas Servis and District 15 Director Don Heinrich of Slaton Gas take a pause from the birthday celebration at the recent TPGA dinner. It just so happened to be Don’s birthday that day.

(Left) Josh McAdams of McAdams Propane/Midstream Transportation and RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian at the recent TPGA board dinner.

26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Classifieds

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FOR SALE: 2016 Ford 750 Bobtail, 3200 gallon tank, Roush system, 3000 miles. Excellent working condition. Dealer and employee references.

Showcase model $119,000.

903-731-0163 or 936-577-2342 wduke@gmx.com For Sale 2 Bobtail trucks. Both equipped with a 2400 gallon LPG tank, plumbing, meter, hose, and hose reel.

Ford ’94 F700 Series truck.

International ’85 S1900 Series truck.

Located in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Call for price. 870-863-3301

Prent@longhornpropane.com or Latisha@longhornpropane.com, 830-964-2525

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar April

14 Good Friday TPGA office closed

Index to Advertisers 4-5 (Groups G-L ) NPGA Benchmarking Council Meeting Dallas, TX

Bergquist 23 BLT Tanks 19 Cunningham Gas Products 25 D. L. Morrison Welding 24

20 AFV Summit Earth Day Dallas, TX

10-11 PERC Advisory Meetings Detroit, MI

20 PERC Council Meeting Nashville, TX

15 TPGA Scholarship Deadline

Insurors of Texas 20

23 Propane Forklift Summit Chicago, IL

Longhorn Propane 28

24-25 TPGA Board & Related Committee Meetings Fredericksburg, TX

Meeder Equipment Co. 27

21-23 NPGA Southeastern Convention & Expo Nashville, TN 27-28 (Groups A-F ) NPGA Benchmarking Council Meeting Dallas, TX

May

1-4 ACT Expo Long Beach, CA

For Sale 2007 Freightliner 3,000 gallon tank, aluminum deck, 125’ of 1” hose, 3 function remote, new motor—still in warranty.

New clutch, new tires.

Call: 254-266-5193, 254-580-9772 or 254-266-3969.

29 Memorial Day TPGA office closed

Flynt Paint Products 25 Gas Equipment Company 22 Lone Star Energy Group 17 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 9 Marshall Young Insurance 21 Metsa Inc. 5 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover WESROC 17 White River Distributors 23

JUNE

18-21 Propane Days Washington, DC

PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 120,000 gallons FOR SALE (2) 60,000 gallons, 250 psi, Riley Beaird (2) 30,000 gallon, 250 psi, Miss Tank Contact: Jim Oliver (936) 755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

RAILROAD COMMISSION APPROVED TRAINING

1.1 Introduction to Propane

2.1 Dispenser Operations—

DOT/ASME Refueling

2.3 Bobtail Operations and Delivery

3.3 Appliance Conversion

3.8 RV Technician Your place or mine. Call for pricing.

Jack Harrison • 210-680-5096 propanesystems@gmail.com

COMING Next Issue Propane’s Role in Glamping April 2017 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Roast-a-Matic Offers Flame-kissed, Roasted Grain

Roast-a-Matic, a Lebanon, Pennsylvania company, was started in 1972 by doing custom grain roasting for local farmers. In 1982 the company incorporated and also began building custom designed roasters under the name Roast-A-Matic Grain Rosters.

The company boasts several models of grain roasters.

The largest, the Roast-a-Matic Model 800, provides 18 to 20 tons per hour of continuous flow. You can use the roasters for a variety of items including soybean, corn, barley and wheat.

Over the years, they have sold Roast-A-Matic Grain roasters to individuals and companies in most of the states and provinces and several foreign countries. Additionally, the company provides custom roasting (using their own equipment), where they arrive on site with the roasters.

This allows, for instance, cattle farmers that grow their own corn to have it roasted on site, without the cost of transportation (or the cost of the equipment).

The purpose of roasting grain is to increase the nutritional value of the grain. As the grain passes through the Roast-A-Matic open flame, the molds are destroyed and the toxins are reduced to safe levels. The cell walls of the grain are ruptured to increase digestibility, making the nutrients readily available to the animal.

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

More information can be found at www.roastamatic.com.

FIVE MINUTES ONLINE.

MONTHS OF BUSINESS IMPACT. PROPANECOUNCIL.ORG/RESOURCES

“we’re continually adding new materials to the catalog to help marketers reach agricultural customers.

From case stuies, to fact sheets, to marketing materials, our goal is to provides resources that can help marketers get new customers and let their current customers know about new applications for propane.”

Cinch Munson, Propane Education & Research Council

Discover New ways to Grow aG GalloNs Save time and make your business shine by downloading safety, training, and marketing materials from the Propane Education & Research Council.

Get started at propanecouncil.org/resources.

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3/22/17 10:29 AM

JOIN US IN GALVESTON FOR THE TPGA PROPANE EXPO & CONFERENCE AUGUST 4-6, 2017