Nebraska extends incentive program to cut fertilizer use in 2026 growing season

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska’s Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA) program will once again provide financial incentives to farmers who reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE), in partnership with Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), have announced updated NiRIA guidance for the 2026 cropping season.

Launched in 2025, NiRIA was created under LB 1368 (2024) to encourage farmers to cut commercial fertilizer application by either 40 pounds per acre or 15% of their baseline rate, whichever is less. The program is designed to reduce nitrogen application rates while helping producers manage input costs and maintain yield productivity.

The 2026 program is supported by $1 million in funding from the Nebraska Corn Board. Farmers growing corn, sugar beets, wheat, and potatoes are eligible to apply through their local NRD, with applications due by Nov. 15, 2025. Each NRD will prioritize applications based on available funding and notify applicants of approval or denial by Dec. 15.

Three Levels of Incentives

NiRIA divides Nebraska into three priority areas based on water quality risks and irrigation practices:

-Priority A: Wellhead protection areas and higher-phase management zones where nitrate levels are elevated. Producers can earn $15 per acre.

-Priority B: Irrigated acres outside of Priority A areas. Producers can earn $12 per acre if they provide three years of crop data or complete soil sampling.

-Priority C: All other areas, including dryland acres. Incentives are set at $10 per acre.

In all cases, farmers must demonstrate actual reductions in nitrogen fertilizer use through crop reports, soil tests, or NRD-approved methods. Substituting manure, wastewater, or other nitrogen sources in place of commercial fertilizer is not allowed.

Program Requirements

To receive payments, producers must document their nitrogen reductions by Nov. 15 of the year following enrollment. Each application is limited to 160 acres per field, and only producers in good standing with NRD rules are eligible. Farmers who participated in the 2025 program may reapply in 2026, but only in different fields. Farmers interested in applying should contact their local NRD or visit the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment’s website for details: https://dnr.nebraska.gov/lb-1368-nitrogen-reduction-incentive-program.