March 5, 2025

2025 February Stewardship Advocate

Iowa Nitrogen Initiative Releases Decision Support Tool

On February 4, 2025, at the Iowa Ag Expo, the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative (INI) released the Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool, or N-FACT. N-FACT is an online tool powered by INI on-farm nitrogen rate trials data and the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), an advanced cropping systems model.

N-FACT allows users to select inputs based on their farm and management decisions, including location, crop rotation, growing season precipitation, post-harvest soil nitrate, planting date and market prices for corn and nitrogen. Based on these inputs, N-FACT outputs probability-based ranges of optimum N fertilizer rates. The INI team worked with commodity groups and farmers across the state to develop the tool.

N-FACT also hosts an INI trial data explorer that allows users to observe, benchmark and compare optimum nitrogen rates across different locations, years and managements. It can be accessed at https://n-fact.ag.

The INI is a public-private partnership based at Iowa State University (ISU) with a vision to provide Iowans with the best nitrogen science in the world for the benefit of productivity, profitability and environmental performance. Iowa Corn is proud to be a funding partner with ISU along with other key stakeholders. Many Iowa Corn members participate in the on-farm trials using variable rate nitrogen application equipment.

The success of the INI is due, in large part, to the interest and enthusiasm shown by participating farmers throughout the state. The INI is currently enrolling farmers to conduct on-farm nitrogen rate trials for the 2025 season.

Source: Iowa Nitrogen Initiative

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Farmer to Farmer: Logan Lyon

For farmers, it is no secret that the health of their land tomorrow is dependent on what they do today, which is why farmers across the state are taking action to implement conservation programs and practices that will ensure their land and water are kept safe, healthy and prosperous for years to come.

Logan Lyon farms alongside his wife Emily, and their three children Lambert, Lucy and Langston in Scott County. Together, they grow corn and soybeans and have a small cow-calf herd. Aware of the correlation between the health of their water, soil and overall crop yields, the Lyons have taken significant steps to combat soil erosion and improve their water management practices.

“Managing water and topsoil are two of my highest priorities,” emphasized Lyon. “We’ve worked to overcome these challenges by ensuring we have good grass strips to get rid of the excess water and by putting in tile to send the water below ground, avoiding erosion.”

Lyon has invested heavily in tiling since he began farming in 2018 and has seen a positive impact on his land and his farm’s return on investment (ROI). Commenting that with better drainage systems in place and a reduced need for supplemental nutrients, he has experienced increased crop yields while cutting down on input costs.

The addition of tile has also allowed Lyon to utilize minimal tillage thanks to the absence of field ruts, washouts and rushing water. He points out that not only does this cut down on erosion that comes with disturbing the soil, but it also allows him to be in the field only when necessary. Cutting down on machinery costs, soil compaction and saving time previously spent on labor.

Throughout his conservation journey, he has utilized the Iowa Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, which provides financial incentives directly to farmers who begin or expand on-farm conservation practices. This program allowed him to participate in a one-year carbon program, an area Lyon sees as a great opportunity for farmers to capitalize on as participation in carbon credit programs grow. When asked how he stays up to date on current conservation trends and the latest research, Lyon shares that he leans into the expertise of his local agronomist and extension agents. Additionally, his role as an active Iowa Corn member and District 6 Director allows him to connect with a broader network of farmers who share similar challenges and goals.

“Gathering with fellow farmers from around the state really allows for great conversations to take place,” said Lyon. “You get to hear what has worked for different farmers, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. Or, if you have a specific issue, everyone is eager to lend a hand to help you solve it.”

In addition to farming, Lyon works as an Agriculture Risk Manager and Crop Insurance Agent in Southeast Iowa. He points out the benefits of learning how your crop insurance programs tie into your conservation and sustainability practices.

“The state of Iowa does offer a discount for grower’s crop insurance premiums if they sign up through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship,” said Lyon. “Crop insurance is managed by RMA, which is the Risk Management Agency of the United States, and the fact that individual states are creating programs to offer discounts for farmers improving their land health is huge.”

Lyon looks forward to continuing to advance his conservation practices on the farm and encourages others to explore what practices might work best for them. Each farm is unique, which is why every farm requires a tailored conservation plan and approach to maintain its land health.

“As a newer farmer, I want to ensure I am doing everything in my power to protect the longevity of my land for future years,” said Lyon. “By investing in conservation practices now, we are setting our future selves and future generations up for success.”