Corn growers in 11 states can apply for crop insurance coverage this year for a practice that reduces nutrient runoff, said the USDA’s Risk Management Agency on Wednesday. The policy will cover yield losses if bad weather prevents growers from making multiple applications of nitrogen fertilizer during key parts of the growing season.
So-called split-apply nitrogen can reduce nutrient runoff and lower fertilizer costs compared to the common practice of applying a single, large dose of fertilizer before or during planting.
“We are proud to offer this new insurance option that encourages the use of conservation practices that benefit not just the environment, but also producers’ balance sheets,” said Marcia Bunger, RMA administrator.
The policy is available for non-irrigated corn in selected counties in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.