STEWARDSHIP PAYS: A nitrogen management credit program is being offered to corn growers in the northern corn growing region of the Midwest.
The pilot project is designed to reward farmers who increase nitrogen efficiency without hurting yield.
Corn growers who recently started using management practices that optimize nitrogen stewardship may qualify to be paid under a new type of credit program from USDA.
It will pay qualifying producers to test a protocol designed to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
The new nitrogen management program is important because: • A successful pilot could create a new revenue stream for producers through nitrogen efficiency credits for the California market.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Iowa corn farmers, especially as spring planting season is upon us,” says Ben Gleason, sustainable program manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
“Corn growers may be eligible to be part of this pilot project tracking nitrogen management practices to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.
Qualifying farmers who sign an agreement with Climate Smart Group and provide basic nitrogen application records will be paid $500 or more for participating in the pilot project.
Why nitrogen management?
How the program works: • Producers must first determine if they are eligible to meet the general requirements for the project.