Gov. Pillen Highlights Program to Help Farmers Improve and Protect Water 

WEST POINT, NE –- Governor Jim Pillen highlighted one of the opportunities in Nebraska’s ONE RED initiative: the ONE RED Ag Data Bank and Grants Program. He shared details of the program at a news conference held on farmer Scott Knobbe’s property near West Point and was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley and Nebraska Corn Board Director of Innovation and Stewardship Rachael Whitehair.

The ONE RED Ag Data Bank and Grants Program has roughly $195 million in funds aimed to provide grants to farmers to adopt new technologies and practices that improve water management, nutrient efficiency, and soil health while improving farm value. Farmers are eligible for these grants after they have enrolled in the state’s secure Ag Data Bank.

“ONE RED Ag is about giving Nebraska farmers more choices, not more mandates,” said Gov. Pillen. “It gives Nebraska farmers a voluntary pathway to access information, technology, financial incentives and trusted local support, all while maintaining ownership of their data and control over their decisions.”

The program is administered by DWEE, and the agency is partnering with the state’s Natural Resources Districts and other local support to roll out the program. These local partners, referred to as Approved Service Providers (ASP), will work with interested farmers during Data Bank enrollment and during the grant application processes.

“NRDs and other ASPs work with Nebraska farmers every day and understand the state does not have one-size-fits-all needs or solutions,” said Dir. Bradley. “We can build on partnerships already in place to expand access to technologies that can help farmers manage nutrients and water more effectively.” 

The ONE RED Ag Data Bank and Grants Program builds on foundation laid by the Governor’s Water Quality and Quantity Task Force, which issued its final report and recommendations in March 2026. The Task Force identified the need to assist farmers with implementing new technology to protect and improve the state’s water resources.

In addition to the Task Force, the ONE RED Ag program also incorporates aspects of the state’s Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Program. Funded by $1 million from the Nebraska Corn Board, the NUE Program will pay farmers for their efficient use of nitrogen.

“Improving efficiency directly impacts a producer’s bottom line,” said Dir. Whitehair. “Through the NUE program, we’re benchmarking nitrogen use and rewarding farmers already leading in precision application. Feedback from NRD staff and producers will continue to improve this program. The goal is more value from every pound applied while protecting Nebraska’s water.”

Enrollment for the ONE RED Ag Data Bank will open in November. Farmers can express their interest now by sharing their contact information at OneREDAg.com. When enrollment opens, a local ASP will contact those interested to begin the process.

“ONE RED Ag is ultimately about opportunity,” added Gov. Pillen. “We’re investing in Nebraska agriculture because we believe in Nebraska farmers and want to make sure they have the tools and opportunities to succeed for future generations.”