Nitrogen Smart attendees report on-farm savings
University of Minnesota Extension’s Nitrogen Smart program held 14 in-person classes in 2020. Now in its fifth year, the free-to-attend seminar brings the latest research and best management practices to farmers looking to increase their nitrogen use efficiency.
The Nitrogen Smart Program hosted 240 farmers in 2019, with the average attendee reporting a farm size of 791 acres, with 53 percent of those acres devoted to corn.
Of those who submitted a post-event evaluation, 94 percent of attendees reported a learning gain of some sort, with the same overwhelming percentage stating they would recommend the Nitrogen Smart program to a fellow farmer.
The benefits of the program are clear to attendees. Farmers who implemented a key learning from the seminar on their farm reported a 22.5 pound/acre reduction in nitrogen use and a $2,300 per farm savings as a result. Farmers who followed guidance to move nitrogen application from the fall to spring had an average positive impact of $13,408 in 2019 based on published yield improvements.
Three-quarters of attendees stated they changed at least one practice as a result of attending the Nitrogen Smart seminar.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association supports the Nitrogen Smart program through farmers’ investment in the Minnesota corn check-off. The program has helped nearly 1,000 farmers to date improve their nutrient management, producing on-farm savings.
Interested in attending a future seminar?
With the COVID-19 pandemic, Nitrogen Smart in-person seminars have not yet been scheduled; however, you can still take the program from the safety and comfort of home.
Available at z.umn.edu/NitrogenSmart, the online Nitrogen Smart focuses on the sources of nitrogen for crops, how to manage nitrogen in drainage systems, an update on regulations and how they impact farmers, and practices to refine nitrogen management. Participants who complete the online course receive the same certification as farmers who attend an in-person seminar.
