Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program (NRIP)
A new statewide program to reduce nitrogen usage by providing incentives to producers. Applicants who are approved for participation in this program will receive a check for adopting new technologies or utilizing new management practices that result in reducing their nitrogen application by the lesser of 40lbs or by 15%. For more information, please review the Tri-Basin NRD NRIP application and guidance documents below.
Priority will be given to TBNRD phase II and III groundwater quality management areas and wellhead protection areas (see map). These areas have an incentive payment of $15 per acre. Producers may contact Tri-Basin Natural Resources District (TBNRD) to determine if they farm in a priority area.
Producers will have to provide documentation to TBNRD verifying that they have utilized approved practices to reduce their nitrogen application. The program limits eligible crops to corn, sugar beets, and potatoes.
The incentives offered through this program can be combined with other programs or incentives offered by USDA-NRCS, or other entities. Producers are also given flexibility to determine how they will reduce their nitrogen application, but they will need to work with TBNRD on implementation to ensure that they comply with program rules.
TBNRD will rank and score applications to identify and select those which provide the greatest potential benefit to groundwater quality. Application approval will also be limited by available funding. Applications need to be submitted to TBNRD and are due before January 7th, 2025. Producers have until January 15th, 2026, to submit documentation of reduction in their 2025 nitrogen application to be eligible for payment.
Interested producers can apply for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program (NRIP) by contacting Pat Nott or Carrie Putnam at Tri-Basin NRD. Tri-Basin NRD's application period is from November 15, 2024 - January 7, 2025.
The program is available statewide. For information about this program in other NRDs contact them directly or for general questions about the program please contact your local NRD or Alexa Davis at the Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR).