By Andi Anderson
Rising fertilizer costs continue to challenge corn farmers across the Midwest. At the same time, improving water quality remains an important goal for many agricultural communities. To address both concerns, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is offering its N Rate Risk Protection Program, designed to help farmers reduce nitrogen use while maintaining profitable crop production.
The program focuses on helping farmers identify the right nitrogen application rate for their fields. By reducing excess fertilizer use, growers can lower input costs and help prevent nutrient runoff from reaching local waterways. Enrollment is currently open for eligible farmers who plan to grow corn in 2027.
Highlighting the program's purpose, Sean Dengler, Crop Nutrition Coordinator at Practical Farmers of Iowa, said, “Farmers shouldn't have to choose between making a profit and clean water. With fertilizer prices remaining high, this program helps farmers find the sweet spot for nitrogen while keeping excess out of waterways.
Participating farmers receive personalized support from a PFI agronomist. Each participant will have a field-specific consultation to discuss nitrogen rates that may be suitable for their operation. In addition, farmers receive a payment of $5 per acre for reducing their nitrogen rate.
The program also offers financial protection against potential yield losses. If a farmer's yield falls below 95 percent of their ten-year average after reducing nitrogen use, they become eligible for a payment of $30 per acre. This feature helps reduce the risk often associated with changing fertilizer management practices.
According to program results, the initiative has been highly successful. Only 9 percent of participants have qualified for compensation payments over the years. This indicates that most farmers were able to lower nitrogen application rates without experiencing significant yield reductions.
Sharing his experience, Benjamin Storm, Farmer from Dover, Minnesota, said, “This program gave me the confidence to lower my nitrogen rate across my whole farm. In 2025, I raised the best corn I’ve ever grown using the lowest amount of nitrogen I’ve ever applied."
To qualify, farmers must plan to grow corn in 2027, reduce nitrogen use by approximately 20 pounds per acre, and manage conventional corn acres. Certified organic acres are not eligible. The program is available to qualifying farmers in selected counties across Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Enrollment remains open through April 30, 2027. Through expert guidance, financial incentives, and risk protection, the program aims to help farmers improve profitability while supporting long-term environmental sustainability and cleaner water resources.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn