1. BMP CHALLENGE: Understanding the Mechanics
Information provided by:
Brian Brandt
Director
Agricultural Conservation Innovation Center

2. Mechanics Eligibility and Requirements
Owner/operators must be NRCS EQIP-eligible
not exceeding the $450,000 Payment Limitation (during term of Farm Bill)
not exceeding the Adjusted Gross Income provision (<2.5 million per year)
complying with the Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetlands Conservation provisions.
Grow corn for grain or silage
sweet corn, popcorn, wildlife plots ineligible
Certified crop advisor must certify BMP, set out check strip and oversee yield assessment
Fall N applications are not eligible for enrollment

3. Mechanics Application process Information required:
Farmer contact information
Field information:
Location
Yield history
Soil test results (if covering P and K)
Yield goal
BMP information (recommended and applied rates)
Reduced tillage practice
Certified advisor contact information
Certification and certification number

4. Mechanics Check-strips – General Information
When: Prior to fertilizer application or tillage.
Who: Certified crop advisor (CCA, NAICC or Agflex approval) must set out check strip.
Where: Representative location within one or more fields in the management unit.
What: 40’ to 80’ wide (depending on equipment width) and running the length of the field.
Check strip information:
N, P and K rates or conventional tillage practice
Location
Markings
Aerial photo

5. Mechanics Check-strips – Crop Advisor Information
43° 03.45' N, 89° ' W
Determine the productive capability.
Aerial maps, soil survey maps, personal observation, soil tests, drainage maps, etc.
Locate check strip and adjacent BMP strips.
Productive capability of the check strip and the adjacent BMP strips should be equal to and representative of the enrolled field.
Identify the actual location of the check strip.
Use GPS coordinates or a measurement from an identifiable landmark (field corner, boundary marker, etc.).
232.5’ W

6. Mechanics Check-strips – Variations Contour strips:
Narrow contour strips - choose one contour strip, one half of strip BMP, one half of strip is check strip
Wide contour strips - one check strip at least 40’ wide in a representative contour with adjacent BMP strips

7. Mechanics Yield Assessment When: After crop maturity (black layer)
Who: Certified Crop Advisor
Where: Check strips and adjacent BMP strips
How: Weigh wagon, portable scale, stationary scale, yield monitor
Check Strip
BMP Strips

8. Mechanics Yield Assessment Determine yield measurement needs
Weigh wagon, etc.
Locate the check strip and adjacent BMP strips.
If field not harvested, compare the appearance
of the check and BMP strips with the field.
Note plant height, color, lodging, weed populations, etc.
These may indicate differential management.
Document any differences. If none, proceed.
Harvest the check strip and weigh.
Harvest one (or both) adjacent BMP strip(s) and
weigh.
Adjust for moisture and convert weight to
bushels per acre.

9. Mechanics
Net Returns
Calculate gross returns for check strip and BMP strips using RMA-APH corn price ($2.20 in 2006, $3.50 In 2007)
Subtract fertilizer or tillage costs from gross returns to calculate net returns
If net returns to BMP are negative, farmer receives guarantee payment equal to the difference
If net returns to BMP are positive, farmer contributes 1/3 of savings back to BMP Challenge program

10. Mechanics Net Returns - Example Conventional BMP
Total Nutrients (lbs N/acre)
140 92
Fertilizer Cost (N=$0.37/lb)
$51.80
$34.04
Planning Cost $0
Savings (per acre)
+$17.76/acre, 48 lbs N Reduced
Yield (bu/acre)
164
169
Value ($3.50/bu)
$574.00
$591.50
Yield Gain/Loss
+$17.50/acre
Guaranty Payment $—
Fertilizer Savings
Yield Gain
Contributions
Farmer contribution
$5.88 per acre (1/3 of $17.76)
Farmer Net Return
$29.38 per acre ($ $ $5.88)
Net Return (27 acres)
+$793.26

11. Mechanics Net Returns - Example Conventional BMP
Total Nutrients (lbs N/acre)
189
133
Fertilizer Cost (N=$0.37/lb)
$66.22
$50.17
Planning Cost $0
Savings
$16.05/acre, 56 lbs N
Yield (bu/acres)
156.5
146.4
Value ($3.50/bu)
$547.75
$512.40
Yield Gain/Loss
-$35.35/acre
Guaranty payment
$19.30/acre ($35.35 – $16.05)
Total payment (35 acres)
$675.50
Guarantees
Fertilizer Savings
Farmer contribution $0
Net Return
$547.75/acre