Published Sep 19, 2024

Applications open for PFI program that lowers financial risk of reducing N rate
By Elizabeth Wilhelm
Corn farmers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota are eligible

Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa (Sept. 19, 2024) — Farmers across the Midwest can now enroll in a Practical Farmers of Iowa program designed to save farmers money on inputs while lowering the risk of revenue loss when applying less nitrogen.

Through the N Rate Risk Protection Program, enrolled farmers partner with a PFI agronomist to determine a lower, economical rate of nitrogen to apply to corn. If participants experience a yield loss due to reducing their applied nitrogen, they receive a per-acre payment from PFI to help offset revenue loss.

“Many farmers question if they’re spending excess money by using a higher-than-needed nitrogen rate on their corn acres,” says Chelsea Ferrie, PFI’s field crops viability coordinator. “This program lets farmers try out a lower rate to see what makes the most economical sense for their farm.”

Nitrogen is an essential crop nutrient. But overuse can lead to excess nitrate in the soil that ends up leaching into waterways, potentially harming people, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

By making it less financially risky for farmers, the N Rate Risk Protection Program lets farmers experiment with lower nitrogen rates while helping them save money and enhance their land stewardship.

Program participants work with a PFI agronomist to figure out the right rate nitrogen reduction for their farm. If they experience yields below 95% of their non-adjusted APH, the program will pay $35 per acre to help make up the revenue difference.

To be eligible, farmers must:

  • Raise corn in 2025
  • Be willing to reduce nitrogen by at least 20 pounds per acre
  • Manage corn conventionally; certified organic acres are not eligible
  • Farm in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska or southeastern South Dakota

Both farmers who are new to saving on inputs and farmers who have reduced nitrogen rates in the past are eligible.

Enrollment is now open and will close April 30, 2025. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/n-rate-risk-protection-program.

For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, contact Chelsea Ferrie at (515) 232-5661 ext. 1040 or chelsea.ferrie@practicalfarmers.org.

This news release was developed to support Field to Market’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovative Finance Initiative under agreement number NR243A750004G023 using resources which are funded by the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Program and PepsiCo. Practical Farmers of Iowa adheres to USDA’s Nondiscrimination Statement.

###

About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 8,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.