The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA), will open the crop insurance premium rebate application period at 12 p.m. on December 2, 2024.
A total of $800,000, or 160,000 acres of coverage, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible producers will receive a $5 per acre rebate on their summer 2025 crop insurance premium for acres planted with cover crops in 2024 and then planted to an insurable crop in 2025.
Producers who received state or federal cost-sharing for planting cover crops in 2024 are not eligible this year. Applicants must use their FSA-578 form to apply, and there is no limit on the number of acres an applicant can request. DATCP will audit applicants, so keep seed receipts and planting records as proof.
The web-based rebate application, along with eligibility details and FAQs, will be available at covercroprebate.wi.gov. The application period will close at 12 p.m. on January 31, 2025, or when funding is exhausted. For reference, a copy of the application questions and instructions is available on DATCP’s website. Direct any questions to DATCPCC@wisconsin.gov.