Nebraska's Nitrogen Dashboard Boosts Farm Efficiency and Water Quality

Nebraska's agricultural industry is set to benefit from a groundbreaking nitrogen dashboard called Producer Connect. Developed through a partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and Longitude 103, this web and mobile application suite provides agricultural producers with crop reporting data and personalized fertilizer recommendations based on yield goals. By optimizing inputs, this collaborative effort aims to improve agricultural profitability, enhance water quality, and increase irrigation efficiency.

Nebraska has made strides in nitrogen management over the past decade, but there is room for improvement. Excessive fertilizer use can contaminate groundwater, which is crucial for drinking water. To address this concern, Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and producers have come together to develop the nitrogen dashboard as a mutually beneficial tool for responsible farming practices.

The Nebraska Corn Board's financial support has been vital in bringing Producer Connect to life. Many of Nebraska's NRDs, along with the NARD Foundation, have contributed funds and are actively seeking grants to ensure the software's long-term development and maintenance.

Producer Connect offers user-friendly features, including personalized data for producers, secure logins, and customizable recommendations based on yield goals. It also tracks water usage and allows analysis of historical data to identify trends. The dashboard assists farmers in quantifying the environmental impact of their nitrogen usage, promoting compliance with regulations and sustainable practices.

Producers will have direct communication with their local NRDs through the platform and access to current research results to improve profitability. The initial launch of Producer Connect is planned for January 2024, targeting areas with irrigation allocations and specific groundwater management areas.

This collaborative effort showcases Nebraska's commitment to sustainable change, empowering producers, enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency, and protecting water resources. The Nebraska Corn Board and NRDs are leading the way in promoting a thriving agricultural industry while preserving the environment.

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