Free Conservation Program, Precision Conservation Management, Expands in Eastern Nebraska

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is expanding its Nebraska presence with the addition of two new regions, bringing the program’s free, one-on-one farm data analysis to grain producers in Northeast and Southeast Nebraska for the first time.

PCM has been serving Nebraska farmers in the Gothenburg and York regions for several years in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Board and local Natural Resource Districts. The addition of the Norfolk and Beatrice regions means more Nebraska producers now have direct access to a local PCM specialist who can analyze their field data and help farmers make decisions grounded in profitability, not guesswork.

PCM was created by IL Corn in 2015 to utilize field-level data to analyze the financial outcomes of tillage, nitrogen management, and cover crop decisions, providing farmers with a clear picture of how these practices impact their bottom line. Participating in PCM is free thanks to support from partners like the Nebraska Corn Board. There are no requirements to change farming practices, and all farm data is immediately anonymized upon enrollment.

“The growth of the Precision Conservation Management Program in Nebraska means farmers have greater access to resources that help them farm better using data-driven conservation tools,” said Rachael Whitehair, director of innovation and stewardship for the Nebraska Corn Board. “At a time when farmers need to know their best and most efficient options, PCM is a tool that helps lead them to success.”

In addition to one-on-one specialist support, enrolled farmers gain access to cost-share and incentive programs through PCM as well as advice on other programs they might be eligible for. Enrollers also receive an annual Resource Analysis and Assessment Plan (RAAP) report each February, providing a field-by-field breakdown of financial and environmental outcomes of in-field practices.

Meet the New Specialists

Frank Lammers — Norfolk Region

Frank Lammers brings a background in agronomy and hands-on farm experience to his role as PCM’s Conservation Specialist for the Norfolk region. Based in Northeast Nebraska, Frank works with producers to use field-level data to evaluate conservation practices against real profitability outcomes. Living and working on a farm himself, he brings a practical perspective that resonates with producers who want answers grounded in how things actually work in the field.

Email: lammers@precisionconservation.org

Tyler Ottensmeier — Beatrice Region

Tyler Ottensmeier brings more than 11 years of agricultural financial services experience to his role as PCM’s Conservation Specialist for the Beatrice region. His background as an agricultural loan officer gives him a firsthand understanding of how farm financial decisions get made and what it takes for a practice change to make economic sense. Tyler also operates a cow-calf and farming operation in Southeast Nebraska, keeping him closely connected to the producers he serves.

Email: tottensmeier@precisionconservation.org

How to Get Started

Nebraska grain farmers interested in enrolling in PCM can visit precisionconservation.org/farmers to learn more and fill out a brief interest form. A PCM Specialist will follow up to walk through the enrollment process.