Nebraska corn, sugar beet, and potato producers are encouraged to apply for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program through their local Natural Resources District (NRD). The program provides incentive payments for approved applicants who reduce their nitrogen application rates by 15% or 40 pounds per acre, whichever is less, with payments ranging from $10 to $15 per acre.

Priority areas and payment rates, established by the Department of Natural Resources, are as follows:

• Priority Area A: $15/acre for acres within a wellhead protection area or irrigated acres in a Phase II Area. Locate wellhead protection areas on DNR’s interactive map or contact your NRD.
• Priority Area B: $12/acre for all other irrigated acres.
• Priority Area C: $10/acre for all other areas.

Producers can combine this program’s incentives with other offers, such as those from NRCS, provided these entities allow.

Applications are open at local NRDs until January 15, 2025, and applicants will be notified of their status by March 15, 2025. Approved applicants have until January 15, 2026, to document and verify their nitrogen reductions to qualify for payment.

“This program is a great opportunity for producers to conduct on-farm research. A producer reducing their nitrogen rate from 200 to 170 pounds per acre could save around $10 per acre on product, plus receive an incentive payment for the reduction—a win-win for natural resources and those seeking ways to improve profitability across their operation,” said Ashley Rippe, Water Resource Technician at the Nemaha NRD.

For more details, visit the Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.nebraska.gov/lb-1368-nitrogen-reduction-incentive-program or contact the Nemaha NRD at 335-3325.