LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Producers will be paid for reducing their nitrogen application by the lesser of 40 lbs or by 15%. You can find the application and guidance document online.

For this program, the state is divided up into three priority areas (A, B, and C). Priority area A is areas in the state with a NRD determined phase II or higher or have a wellhead protection area. This area has an incentive payment of $15 per acre. Priority B areas are areas not in priority A but are certified to irrigate. Priority B areas have an incentive payment of $12 per acre. The last priority area is C, which is the rest if the state and has an incentive payment of $10 per acre. Producers should contact their local Natural Resources Districts (NRD) to determine which priority they are in.

To show the reduction in baseline nitrogen applications, each priority area has determined data required by the NRD. Producers should work with local NRD on data requirements. The program limits eligible crops to corn, sugar beets, and potatoes.

The incentives are intended to be flexible in that they can be combined with other offers by NRCS, TNC, or other entities. Producers will need to confirm with those other programs. Producers are also given the flexibility to determine how they will reduce their nitrogen application but will work with their local NRD on the implementation.

Each NRD will rank and score applications that best suit their local interests and available funding. Applications will be submitted to local NRDs either by email or online and are due before Jan. 15, 2025. Producers have until Jan. 15, 2026, to document and show the reduction in their nitrogen application to be eligible for payments.

Applications will be submitted to local NRD either by email or online. Contact your local NRD for more information on the application process.

For general questions about the program please contact your local NRD or Alexa Davis at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR).

Alexa Davis: (402)-471-3948 or alexa.davis [at] nebraska.gov

Web link for documents: https://dnr.nebraska.gov/lb-1368-nitrogen-reduction-incentive-program