Hay growers are anxiously awaiting the introduction a propane-fueled dryer whose inventers believe will economically dry hay in the field.

Minnesota co-inventors Conrad Fingerson and Donald Eickhoff say they’ve received dozens of inquiries from hay growers since the dryer was discussed in Hay & Forage Grower this winter. Click on More Efficient Than Drying Corn.

The cylindrical dryer has a 25,000 cu ft/minute fan and a series of stationary burners. Air is heated as it enters at the rear, then is pulled through hay and reheated, etc. When the air is discharged at the front of the dryer, it’s been heated and used five times.

Fingerson and Eickhoff figure their invention will dry hay from 45% moisture to 18% or less for about $10/ton at today’s fuel prices. They plan to field-test the prototype this summer and hope dryers will be available to growers by next year.

For more information, call Ken Connaughty, the machine-shop owner who built the prototype, at 507-864-2955.