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

Proposals will be accepted until Dec. 31.

In its fourth year, the innovation grant program will focus on projects that offer solutions to preventing both nitrogen and phosphorus loss to ground and surface water. Each accepted proposal will feature novel practices related to improved nitrogen and/or phosphorus management on a field-scale program.

Last year, 12 projects were approved for funding, each with a focus on preventing nitrogen loss. The 2019 innovation grant program has expanded to solutions that improve phosphorus management, which has been a focus for farmers in the Red River Valley, specifically.

Paul Meints, Minnesota Corn Growers Association senior research director, said that corn growers want to take a proactive approach to improving nutrient management.

“The innovation grant program continues to be a great avenue for them to put their ideas to the test,” he said. As this program has grown, so has the quality of work in each farmer-led project, he added.

To date, the program has invested nearly $400,000 in 40 farmer-led research projects that help prevent nitrogen loss on the farm.

Up to $7,000 available next year
In 2019, farmers are eligible for up to $7,000 per year in funding. Replicated trials may also be funded at up to $30,000 per year. They also must include a statistical design and analysis protocol in the proposal. Criteria and expectations for each of the proposal levels are available within the RFP. Projects must be applied for and conducted by an active Minnesota corn farmer subject to the Minnesota corn checkoff.

Past projects include:

* Brian Velde, Yellow Medicine County, installed a drip-tape irrigation system that allows him to spoon-feed the exact amount of nitrogen and water needed to his crop. The system worked better than expected, with an increase of 100 bushels per acre on land with the underground system.

* Brian Ryberg, Buffalo Lake, developed a tool that allows him to plant cover crops while applying in-season nitrogen. The improved nitrogen uptake and increased yield have led Ryberg to plant cover crops on 100% of his acres in 2018.

* Brock Olson, Goodhue County, added a new cover crop to his rotation that would give his cover crops a longer period to flourish before the winter frost comes in. This will allow him to reduce surface-applied fertility, which will reduce the risk of nutrient loss into nearby water sources.

To apply, visit mncorn.org/research.

Source: MCGA