Without fertile land, Wisconsin soybean growers wouldn’t be able to sustain a bountiful harvest year in and year out. Thankfully, with crop insurance premium rebates for planting cover crops available through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Wisconsin producers have another tool in their toolbox to encourage the adoption of sound practices. This program is supported by numerous Wisconsin farm advocacy groups, including the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA). 

“Wisconsin soybean growers know that to keep their land productive, it’s vital to adopt sustainable practices that work on their operation,” WSA Executive Director Adam Kask said. “DATCP programs like the crop insurance premium rebate for planting cover crops present excellent opportunities for farmers to implement sound agricultural practices.” 

In partnership with the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, there is $800,000 or 160,000 acres of coverage available to be rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients will receive a $5 per-acre rebate on their summer 2025 crop insurance premium for acres planted with cover crops in 2024, then planted to an insurable crop the following year. The application period opens Dec. 2, 2024. 

Producers who received state or federal cost-sharing to plant cover crops in 2024 are not eligible for this year’s program. Applicants will need to use their FSA-578 form to complete the application, and there isn’t a limit on acres a producer can apply for. Applicants should keep seed receipts and planting records as DATCP will conduct audits to ensure cover crops were planted. 

“With this rebate available, now is the perfect time to plant cover crops – whether you’ve been doing it for years or if this will be your first time experimenting with them,” Kask said.  

The web-based rebate application, information about eligibility, and FAQs will be made available on the DATCP website. The application will remain open until 12 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2025, or until program funding is exhausted. A copy of the application questions and instructions is available for reference on DATCP’s website. Questions should be directed to DATCPCC@wisconsin.gov.