Nebraska farmers have a new opportunity for assistance in upgrading their irrigation systems through the ...

Nebraska farmers have a new opportunity for assistance in upgrading their irrigation systems through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy's (NDEE) latest initiative. The 2024-2025 ONE RED (Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization) Irrigation Engine Program is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to replace diesel-powered irrigation engines with electric alternatives. Farmers interested in participating must submit their applications by January 16, 2025.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate ownership of a diesel engine for at least two years and use at least 250 hours annually. The program requires that the replaced diesel engines be scrapped to ensure emissions are permanently reduced. Farmers can replace their diesel engines with an electric motor for surface pumps or transition an existing submersible pump to electric power. Applicants may submit one application for one engine replacement. The program will reimburse 60% of eligible expenses, including equipment, installation, and utility upgrades, with a maximum rebate of $23,000. Expenses incurred before signing an agreement with NDEE are not covered.

Nebraska Farm Bureau has been involved from inception in helping shape the ONE RED program, originally called the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). Rebates for upgrading irrigation engines were something we supported. For more information about the ONE RED program, please visit our previous newswire.

This initiative expands upon NDEE's efforts to promote cleaner agricultural practices, which began in 2017 with the EPA's Clean Diesel Program funding. Now under the broader ONE RED Program, the grant is supported by a five-year EPA allocation to reduce emissions across Nebraska. Over the next five years, the program intends to replace 250 irrigation engines, including at least 50 during this cycle.

The ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program underscores Nebraska's focus on sustainable farming practices by providing financial support for farmers looking to modernize their operations and reduce environmental impact.

Farm Bureau members are encouraged to learn more and apply. Details about the program, including eligibility requirements and application forms, are available on the ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program web page. Nebraska Farm Bureau will continue to advocate for programs that realistically benefit our members.

Details about the whole program can be found on the ONE RED webpage. As always, if you have any questions, please contact Kole Pederson, Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected].