Nebraska farmers have always been stewards of the land, working tirelessly to ensure that our ...

Nebraska farmers have always been stewards of the land, working tirelessly to ensure that our state's rich natural resources continue to support generations to come. In line with this commitment, the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program (NiRIA) offers a unique opportunity for farmers to enhance sustainability without financial sacrifice.

If you're a corn, sugar beet, or potato producer, NiRIA could help you reduce your nitrogen fertilizer use and be compensated for your efforts. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

What is NiRIA?

Senator Ibach introduced the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA) during the 2024 legislative session through Nebraska's Legislative Bill 1368 (LB 1368). The bill encourages farmers to adopt innovative, sustainable practices to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied to fields. By reducing nitrogen usage, farmers can protect Nebraska's precious water resources from nitrate contamination while maintaining productive, efficient farms.

The program is overseen by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) and implemented in collaboration with local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs).

How Does the Program Work?

NiRIA provides an annual per-acre payment to farmers who reduce nitrogen fertilizer use by at least 40 pounds per acre or 15% of their baseline nitrogen application rate. Incentive payments vary based on geographic location and priority areas established by the NRDs:

• Priority A Areas (e.g., wellhead protection and high nitrate areas) receive up to $15 per acre.

• Priority B Areas (certified irrigated lands) receive $12 per acre.

• Priority C Areas (all other agricultural lands) receive $10 per acre.

Farmers must document nitrogen use reductions and follow specific guidelines based on their NRD's requirements.

Benefits for Farmers

• Incentive Payments: Receive up to $15 per acre for reducing nitrogen application.

• Increased Efficiency: Reducing nitrogen use benefits the environment and saves money on fertilizer.

• Enhanced Sustainability: The program promotes innovative practices and technologies, helping to future-proof your farm.

Who Can Participate?

If you're growing corn, sugar beets, or potatoes, and are willing to reduce your nitrogen application by the program's required thresholds, you're eligible to apply. Farmers in areas with elevated nitrate levels (Priority A Areas) may find the program especially beneficial, but it's open to producers across the state.

How to Apply

Applying for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program is straightforward but requires some key steps to ensure eligibility:

1. Gather Your Documentation: Establish your baseline nitrogen application rate before applying. Depending on your NRD, this may involve submitting crop reports from the last three growing seasons or completing soil sampling for the coming crop year.

1. Complete the Application: Each field requires an individual application. You'll need to provide details like the field's legal description, crop type, nitrogen application history, and the methods or products you plan to use to reduce nitrogen usage. The application is on the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program webpage.

1. Submit Your Application to Your NRD: The application deadline is January 15 for the following growing season. Your NRD will review your application and notify you by March 15 whether it's been approved.

1. Implement Your Nitrogen Reduction Plan: Once approved, you'll need to reduce your nitrogen application using the methods you outlined in your application.

1. Submit Verification: By January 15 of the following year, you must submit documentation showing that you've achieved the required nitrogen reduction. Payments will be distributed once your NRD verifies the reduction.

Deadlines to Remember

• January 15: Application deadline for each field you plan to enroll.

• March 15: Notification of approval or denial from your NRD.

• January 15 (following year): Deadline for submitting documentation verifying nitrogen reduction.

Start Today

NiRIA offers a win-win for Nebraska farmers - financial support for reducing nitrogen use and the opportunity to contribute to the long-term sustainability of our natural resources. If you're interested in applying or have questions about the program, contact your local NRD or visit the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program webpage for more information.

Nebraska farmers are already leaders in sustainable agriculture. By participating in NiRIA, you can further demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding the land and water that fuel our state's number one industry.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kole Pederson, Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected].

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