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Funding Assistance for Getting Started with Sentinel
If you have questions about the following programs, need help with the application, or don't see one listed that you'd like to use, please email info@sentinelag.tech or call (531) 324-0634.
Risk of Adoption Mitigation Pilot Program (RAMPP)
Funding Agency:
Central Platte NRD, Lewis & Clark NRD, and Lower Niobrara NRD
Deadline:
Rolling (Until Capacity)
Location(s):
Nebraska
Website:
Application:
2026 Pilot Program
For CSPs and growers serving CPNRD, LCNRD, and LNNRD
The Risk of Adoption Mitigation Pilot Program (RAMPP) for the 2026 growing season is in partnership with 3 NRDs: Central Platte (CPNRD), Lewis & Clark (LCNRD), and Lower Niobrara (LNNRD) to help growers adopt sensor- and model-based nitrogen management with less financial risk. RAMPP combines NRD cost share with performance-based risk mitigation to support early adoption of qualified nitrogen management software (NMS). The program is designed to encourage better nitrogen decisions, improve profitability, and support long-term environmental stewardship.
Program Benefits
Eligible participants may receive:
Two years of NRD cost share totaling $13.50 per acre (equal to $6.75/ac/yr or equivalent of ¾ Sentinel Advanced cost).
Up to $80 per acre in risk mitigation payment if the technology does not perform as intended
Profit protection is based on how closely NMS recommendations align with the economic optimal nitrogen rate (EONR) compared with the grower’s planned or standard nitrogen practice.
Eligible Technologies
RAMPP is intended to support technology-enabled nitrogen management practices. Eligible tools include model- and sensor-based nitrogen management systems.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in RAMPP, applicants must:
Enroll at least 2 fields
Enroll a minimum of 160 acres (80 acres/field)
Enroll up to 320 total acres (NRD limits vary)
Be planting eligible crops in participating districts (corn, potatoes, or small grains).
Work with an Agronomic Service Provider (ASP)
Use paired N-rich and N-poor plots for validation
Submit all required data by December 15, 2026 for risk mitigation claim eligibility
Enrollment is rolling and funding is limited.
NRD-Specific Notes
Program details may vary by district.
LNNRD: No acreage cap
CPNRD: Growers may enroll in RAMPP even if they are not participating in NRD cost share
Other districts: May allow RAMPP-only participation at their discretion
Cost-share structure and duration: May vary by NRD
How Payments Work
The grower enrolls in qualifying NMS and completes required program steps.
A final report must be provided before NRD cost-share payments are made.
Required data must be submitted by December 15 to remain eligible for risk mitigation payment.
If the technology underperforms relative to the grower’s standard practice, qualifying risk mitigation payments will be issued by March 15.
RAMPP is designed to:
Encourage adoption of advanced nitrogen management decision tools
Give growers more confidence in in-season nitrogen decisions
Reduce the financial risk of trying new technology
Support stronger agronomic and environmental outcomes over time
RAMPP is a strong fit for:
Growers trying nitrogen management software for the first time
Producers who want to reduce the risk of adopting new technology
Operations managing rainfed, irrigated, or fertigated acres
How to Apply
There is a common RAMPP and NRD cost-share application used across the three participating NRDs. Agronomic services providers may apply on behalf of growers with grower consent, or growers may apply directly.
To learn more or apply, contact Sentinel Ag or your local NRD.
NRD Sensor-Based Fertigation Cost-Share
Funding Agency:
Central Platte NRD, Lewis & Clark NRD, and Lower Niobrara NRD
Deadline:
Rolling
Location(s):
Nebraska
Website:
Application:
Central Platte NRD, Lewis & Clark NRD, and Lower Niobrara NRD provide cost-share for sensor-based fertigation that can be applied to Sentinel Ag's products. This program provides $11/ac over the course of two years for up to 2 fields (320 acres max). The program requires a 2-year commitment and 1/3 of the funding is delivered in the first year with 2/3 of the funding delivered in the second year. Applications may be submitted up to five months after the growing season for which funding is requested.
Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act
Funding Agency:
Nebraska NRDs
Deadline:
EXTENDED December 15th, 2025
Location(s):
Nebraska
Website:
Application:
Nebraska's Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act provides funding to farmers who reduce their nitrogen (N) application by the lesser of 40 lb-N/ac or 15% from their baseline N application amount. Applications are accepted and funds are distributed by Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). Funding amounts are determined by priority areas.
Priority A - $15/ac
Priority B - $12/ac
Priority C - $10/ac
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Funding Agency:
USDA-NRCS
Deadline:
Varies by Location/Program
Location(s):
United States (All)
Website:
Application:
EQIP provides funding for agricultural conservation practice enhancements. It is important to remember that this program offers short-term, small-scale contracts.
To use this program for Sentinel's products, please apply for Program 590 - Nutrient Management. In Nebraska, scenario 305 - Prescriptive Nutrient Efficiency is the best scenario for Sentinel. Please check your state's listings or talk to your local NRCS office for more information.
Some useful resources are linked below:
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Funding Agency:
USDA-NRCS
Deadline:
Varies by Location/Program
Location(s):
United States (All)
Website:
Application:
CSP provides funding for agricultural and landowner conservation practice enhancements. It is important to remember that this program offers a long-term contract and all acres in the operation must be contracted.
To use this program for Sentinel's products, please apply for Program 590 - Nutrient Management.
Some useful resources are linked below:
Minnesota Nitrogen Funding Assistance Program
Funding Agency:
MN Department of Agriculture
Deadline:
Rolling
Location(s):
Minnesota
Website:
Application:
The Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Program is a competitive funding opportunity for producers who implement agricultural practices (initiatives) that have the potential to reduce leaching of nitrate-nitrogen into groundwater. This program is funded through the 2023 Legislative Session, which established a funding source to promote practices that reduce nitrate in groundwater.
The Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Program is administered by the MDA, but additional conservation programs may be available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). Applicants are encouraged to work with their local SWCD to enroll in conservation programs they may have available.
Interactive map for DWSMA areas in MN: https://mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=47a342afe6654640b935c8e76023da92
