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At the World Ag Expo, Ag Meter caught up with Lance Shebelut \u2014 Fresno State baseball standout, Tenaya Park local legend, and now a leading grower in California\u2019s Central Valley. Known for his home-run prowess on the diamond, Shebelut has also been hitting home runs in farming, particularly with energy-efficient irrigation.<\/p>\n
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From Tenaya Park to the Farm<\/p>\n
Before making a name in agriculture, Shebelut was a star at Fresno State Bulldogs. \u201cThe best experience of my life was growing up at Tenaya Park,\u201d he recalled, surrounded by local athletes who went on to notable careers in sports. But his focus has long since shifted from baseball to growing high-quality tree fruit and citrus across the Valley, and his latest innovation? Propane-powered irrigation.<\/p>\n
Why Propane Is Gaining Traction<\/p>\n
Shebelut\u2019s farms historically relied on electricity and diesel. When a diesel motor failed, his pump company suggested propane \u2014 cleaner, efficient, and often cheaper in the off-season. After consulting with NNS\/Chariot, he installed his first propane unit last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe results were immediate,\u201d Shebelut said. \u201cI ran three wells for 10 straight days \u2014 one on electricity, one on diesel, one on propane. Propane came in at about $8,000, diesel $14,000, and electricity $22,000.\u201d<\/p>\n
With diesel averaging $3.00\u2013$3.10 per gallon and propane at $1.75, the savings were clear \u2014 and the reliability even more so.<\/p>\n
Operational Advantages for California Growers<\/p>\n
Shebelut highlighted several benefits:<\/p>\n
No fuel theft worries: Propane storage is less vulnerable than diesel.<\/p>\n
Automatic refilling: Tanks with satellite monitoring refill before running empty.<\/p>\n
No demand charges: Unlike electricity, propane avoids peak pricing and brownouts.<\/p>\n
Cleaner operation: \u201cNo fumes, no pollution \u2014 it just makes you feel better,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In July\u2019s high heat, propane pumps ran without disruption while electric systems were vulnerable to rolling brownouts \u2014 a critical factor when crops can\u2019t afford to lose water.<\/p>\n
Rebates and Incentives Sweeten the Deal<\/p>\n
Beyond operational savings, propane comes with significant incentives. Rebates are based on engine size \u2014 roughly $600 per liter. For example, an 11-liter motor qualifies for $6,600, and a 12-liter unit for $7,200, with some growers earning up to $10,000. Shebelut notes, \u201cThe real savings is day in, day out, but the rebate makes it even sweeter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Getting Started<\/p>\n