At the World Ag Expo, Ag Meter caught up with Lance Shebelut — Fresno State baseball standout, Tenaya Park local legend, and now a leading grower in California’s 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.
From Tenaya Park to the Farm
Before making a name in agriculture, Shebelut was a star at Fresno State Bulldogs. “The best experience of my life was growing up at Tenaya Park,” 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.
Why Propane Is Gaining Traction
Shebelut’s farms historically relied on electricity and diesel. When a diesel motor failed, his pump company suggested propane — cleaner, efficient, and often cheaper in the off-season. After consulting with NNS/Chariot, he installed his first propane unit last year.
“The results were immediate,” Shebelut said. “I ran three wells for 10 straight days — one on electricity, one on diesel, one on propane. Propane came in at about $8,000, diesel $14,000, and electricity $22,000.”
With diesel averaging $3.00–$3.10 per gallon and propane at $1.75, the savings were clear — and the reliability even more so.
Operational Advantages for California Growers
Shebelut highlighted several benefits:
- No fuel theft worries: Propane storage is less vulnerable than diesel.
- Automatic refilling: Tanks with satellite monitoring refill before running empty.
- No demand charges: Unlike electricity, propane avoids peak pricing and brownouts.
- Cleaner operation: “No fumes, no pollution — it just makes you feel better,” he said.
In July’s high heat, propane pumps ran without disruption while electric systems were vulnerable to rolling brownouts — a critical factor when crops can’t afford to lose water.
Rebates and Incentives Sweeten the Deal
Beyond operational savings, propane comes with significant incentives. Rebates are based on engine size — 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, “The real savings is day in, day out, but the rebate makes it even sweeter.”
Getting Started
For those ready to explore propane, Shebelut keeps it simple: Propane.com connects growers to local dealers, assistance with installation, and help navigating incentives. His personal experience has been positive, citing Tessie Petroleum as a reliable partner for fuel delivery.
Looking Ahead: Efficiency Meets Innovation
From baseball diamonds to orchards, Shebelut’s journey is about adaptability. His insights demonstrate how careful ROI analysis, innovation, and efficiency can transform California agriculture. Whether it’s powering pumps, managing bloom stress in tree fruit, or keeping citrus thriving, propane is proving to be a cost-effective, environmentally conscious solution.
As Shebelut emphasizes, “Anything you can do to lower operating costs, you have to look at. Propane is one way to protect your bottom line while staying ahead in the Central Valley.”
(Catch the full interview at the World Ag Expo to hear more from Lance Shebelut on propane, crops, and innovation in farming.)