Practical Farmers of Iowa N Rate Risk Protection Program

The N Rate Risk Protection Program helps corn farmers find their optimal, economical nitrogen rate. Participants receive $5 per acre for every enrolled acre with a reduced-nitrogen plan; if yield drops below 95% of the farm's ten-year average after lowering nitrogen, an additional $30 per acre warranty payment is issued (up to $35/acre total). Participants also receive a complimentary one-year PFI membership.

• Farm in eligible counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota or Wisconsin.

• Willing to reduce nitrogen application by at least 20 lbs N/acre (smaller/already-reduced rates may still qualify).

• Acres must be conventionally managed; certified organic acres are not eligible.

• Acres cannot overlap with any privately funded cost-share/carbon program (Indigo, SWOF, TruCarbon, PivotBio N-OVATOR, etc.).

• Acres must already be insured with a Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Revenue or Yield Protection policy at minimum 65% coverage, and crops must be certified through the local FSA office.

This program is only partially a cost-share: it pays $5/acre for all enrolled acres with a reduced-nitrogen plan, plus a $30/acre warranty payment only if yield drops below 95% of the farm's ten-year average production history following the nitrogen reduction plan. The warranty is voided if the participant didn't follow the agreed plan, or if a multi-peril/hail/wind insurance claim was paid for the same yield loss.

Enroll by April 30, 2027 via https://practicalfarmers.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_5ySWYYDIOF9WFnM. After enrolling, talk with a PFI agronomist, sign an agreement and FSA release of information by May 31, 2027, apply the reduced nitrogen, attend a soil-health learning event, and complete a wrap-up survey/field questionnaire by Dec. 10, 2027. Payments are processed by April 30, 2028.