PFI program helps farmers find their optimal nitrogen rate

Enrollment for the free program is now open

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Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | gro.s1779761178remra1779761178flaci1779761178tcarp1779761178@mleh1779761178liw.h1779761178tebaz1779761178ile1779761178

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AMES, Iowa (Sept. 30, 2025) — Midwestern farmers who want to reduce input costs and find their optimal nitrogen rate can now enroll in Practical Farmers of Iowa's N Rate Risk Protection program.

“Nitrogen fertilizer is a major cost for farmers, making it a key area for potential savings,” says Chelsea Ferrie, PFI's senior field crops viability coordinator. “This program helps curious farmers test lower rates and find out what works best for their own farm.”

Farmers in the program get a phone call from a PFI agronomist to talk about their unique situation and what reductions are feasible while maintaining yields. All acres with a nitrogen reduction will receive a $5/acre payment regardless of the yield outcome. If a yield drop occurs after lowering nitrogen, participants will receive a $30/acre payment.

“Nitrogen is a vital crop nutrient, but excess can leach into waterways when it's overused – potentially harming wildlife, people and aquatic ecosystems,” says Chelsea.

By making it less financially risky for farmers, the program lets farmers experiment with lower nitrogen rates while helping them save money and increase their farm's resilience. To be eligible, farmers must:

• Raise corn in 2026
• Be willing to reduce nitrogen by approximately 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've reduced nitrogen rates in recent years are eligible. Enrollment is now open and will close April 30, 2026. 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 gro.s1779761178remra1779761178flaci1779761178tcarp1779761178@nimd1779761178amraf1779761178.

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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 https://practicalfarmers.org.