By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Corn Board announced a new Nitrogen Use Efficiency Program that will provide financial incentives to farmers who demonstrate improved nitrogen management during the 2026 growing season. The initiative makes $1 million available to support producers who adopt efficient fertilizer practices.
The program aims to help farmers reduce nitrogen fertilizer use while maintaining strong crop productivity. Producers who achieve a nitrogen use efficiency score of 1.0 or less may receive payments of $15 per acre for up to 160 acres per application.
The program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment in partnership with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts. These organizations assist producers with the application process and provide guidance on meeting program requirements.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency measures how effectively crops convert available nitrogen into harvested grain yield. The calculation includes nitrogen from commercial fertilizer and credited nitrogen sources such as soil nutrients, irrigation water, manure, and cover crops.
Using this measurement helps producers evaluate how efficiently nitrogen sources are used in their farming systems. Understanding nitrogen use allows farmers to make more informed nutrient management decisions that support both farm profitability and environmental protection.
Brandon Hunnicutt, Chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Giltner, Nebraska, explained the goals of the program.
“The Nebraska Nitrogen Use Efficiency Program was funded to encourage farmers to reduce nitrogen inputs and achieve greater efficiencies in their operations,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB and farmer from Giltner Nebraska. “As we invest in initiatives that strengthen our role as responsible stewards of the land, we are also focused on improving profitability amid volatile market conditions. Every dollar and every acre counts, and this program equips farmers with practical opportunities to optimize their practices for better economic and environmental outcomes.”
Farmers who participate must complete several preparation steps before the growing season. Producers who use irrigation water or manure must also collect water and manure samples to determine nitrogen content.
Producers interested in participating should contact their local Natural Resources District office for assistance with the application process. The deadline to apply for the program is May 15, 2026.
The NUE Program follows the Nebraska Corn Board’s earlier $1 million investment in the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA) program announced in October 2025. The NiRIA program provides financial incentives to producers who reduce commercial fertilizer use by 40 pounds per acre or by 15% of their baseline application rate. Applications for the 2026 growing season closed on Dec. 15, 2025.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Nebraska, Sustainable Agriculture