of cornstalks. With the right balance between soil health management and stalk harvesting, cornstalks could be very beneficial for grain dryers unable to access natural gas. “In most cases, propane infrastructure will be available with the existing grain dryer. It offers the ease of propane with the low cost of biomass,” says Krebs. Krebs says the main difficulty is getting propane equipment approved for use in conjunction with biomass materials. He believes this may result from a lack of insurance precedence for such hybrid systems. “Currently, we’re trying to design the biomass side of it,” he says. “The bale burning technology is a chunk of it … We need to talk to more experts about the propane regulation stuff.” TAKING THE LONG VIEW Finding workable alternatives to propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel will help insulate grain dryers from what Lubitz ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 27 FEBRUARY 2023 describes as very volatile price spikes caused by tumultuous events — pipeline and transportation issues and armed conflict being two notable examples. The elephant in the room, though, is the fact that petroleum is a finite resource, and that, combined with the overarching problem of atmospheric pollution, makes finding alternatives a necessity. “It’s the long-term point of view. Eventually, the oil is going to run out.” l Imagine where more profitable cereals could take you. Keep your farm prosperous with our new fungicide. Wish cereals could make a bigger impact on your bottom line? New Sphaerex® fungicide can help you get you there. It provides stronger, longer-lasting efficacy on late-season leaf disease and outstanding control of FHB. Sphaerex also helps preserve your grain’s grade with its best-in-class DON reduction. It all adds up to increased quality, yields and profits. Visit agsolutions.ca/sphaerex and start imagining the possibilities of your most profitable cereal crop ever. Always read and follow label directions. AgSolutions and SPHAEREX are registered trademarks of BASF, used under license by BASF Canada Inc. SPHAEREX fungicide should be used in a preventative disease control program. © 2022 BASF Canada Inc. This research project received funding from Grain Farmers of Ontario.
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