Minnesota corn farmers will once again have the opportunity to put their innovative conservation ideas into action through the Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s Innovation Grant Program.

Proposals on how to reduce nitrate loss, improve soil health and protect water quality are being accepted through Dec.15.

MCGA, working alongside the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, is offering a total of $300,000 in innovation grants to any Minnesota corn farmer seeking to test or develop an innovative or best practice in the following areas:

• nitrate loss reduction

• improved nitrogen management practices for Minnesota soils

• maintaining or improving water quality

• innovative soil conservation practices

• comparing and contrasting the measurable values of large data set decision tools

In 2017, 23 farmer-led research projects received a total of $250,000 in funding through the Innovation Grant Program. Examples of the great work by Minnesota farmers this summer include the installation of a subsurface irrigation system, a more calculated approach to nitrogen application, and a new apparatus that allowed one farmer to apply fungicide while also applying nitrogen.

Corn farmers in Minnesota support about $4 million every year through respected research institutions like the University of Minnesota to address issues that corn farmers are facing every day. The Innovation Grant Program allows farmers to put their own ideas to the test, and it lets them examine how other farmers in Minnesota might be able to replicate that idea on their farm.

After Dec. 15, proposals will undergo review, with awards determined by March 1 and project funding available April 1. Farmers can apply at mncorn.org/research.

Source: MCGA