Cooperators conducted 78 research trials last year. View the highlights in our “2023 Cooperators’ Report Program.”
N Rate Risk Protection FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About N Rate Risk Protection Program
Q: Is this N rate program a cost-share?
A: This program is not a cost-share program as it does not pay for reducing nitrogen rates. A payment is only issued if the farmer’s yield drops 95% of their ten-year average production history when reducing from their typical nitrogen application. PFI will pay $35 per acre to help cover any loss in that instance.
Q: How do you calculate my yield average?
A: We will use your crop insurance records to determine your 2025 yield and your non-adjusted actual production history. If you do not have 10 years of cropping history, we will use county averages for your benchmark yield.
Q: Why reduce N rates?
A: Reducing nitrogen rates can save you money! Less wasted excess N applied to your fields means less wasted cost for yourself. Use this program to explore your own economical nitrogen rate for your fields. Plus, reducing N rates can have tremendous benefits for water quality and reductions in GHG emissions.
Q: How much N do I need to reduce?
A: On average, farmers will need to reduce nitrogen applications by approximately 20 lbs N per acre from their typical application. Farmers that are already applying low rates of nitrogen may still be eligible to participate in the program with a smaller reduction of nitrogen. If you have recently reduced your nitrogen in the last five years and are still unsure if it is the right rate for your farm, you may be eligible to enroll at your current reduced rate.
Q: What N is counted in my “typical application”?
A: Any nitrogen applied via synthetic fertilizer sources or through manure is counted in your application rates. If you do not have a manure analysis, we will use book values from Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota to estimate your applied nitrogen. Biological products or legume credits are not calculated into your typical applied nitrogen rate.
Q: I don’t purchase federal crop insurance. What coverage do I need for this program?
A: The N Rate Risk Protection program is not supposed to replace crop insurance. Participants must maintain and carry a Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MCPI) Revenue or Yield Protection policy at a minimum of 65% coverage to be eligible for this program. In addition, you must certify your crops through your local FSA office.
*Note: If a claim is paid for yield loss due to an even, such as hail, wind, or flooding, other than nitrogen reduction through your insurance, you cannot file a claim through PFI’s program.