Nebraska corn producers can receive $15 per acre through the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Program. The goal of this program is to incentivize Nebraska corn producers to enhance NUE in their corn fields. These initiatives are directed towards improving nitrogen management which can deliver meaningful economic and environmental benefits without sacrificing productivity.
To qualify for payment, producers must achieve a NUE of less than or equal to 1.0 (≤ 1.0). NUE = (Applied N + Credited N) (lbs./acre) / Grain Yield (bushel(acre)). NUE credits include Residual Nitrogen in Soil, Organic Matter mineralization in Soil, Legume such as soybeans (45 lbs.) or alfalfa (100 lbs.), Irrigation Water (if applicable), and Manure (if applicable). For example, if the corn Yield is 200 bu/ac: (Applied N) + (Credited N) shall not exceed 200 lbs./acre.
Participants are required to soil sample before the 2026 growing season (either in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026). Should manure or irrigation water be applied, further testing will be required. Field yield history will be needed to set a realistic yield goal for the NUE calculation.
Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026, with a maximum of 160 acres of corn eligible for enrollment per application.
Producers within the Tri-Basin NRD who have inquiries or wish to apply can reach out to Carrie Putnam at 308-995-6688.