As the end of the month approaches, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) remind producers to apply for crop insurance premium rebates. The rebate application is web-based and will be available on DATCP’s website until Jan. 31, 2024, or until program funding is exhausted.

“Soybean growers across Wisconsin are already doing what they can to take care of their land,” said Ryan Smith, Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) Manager of Strategic Programs. “With DATCP rolling out programs that incentivizes growers to continue bettering their operations, we are making giant strides in the right direction.”

There is $800,000, or 160,000 acres of coverage, to be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible participants will receive a $5 per acre rebate on their summer 2024 crop insurance premium for acres that were planted with cover crops in 2023, then planted with an insurable crop in 2024.

“Planting cover crops is a common strategy producers implement to protect their soil,” Smith said. “This program is icing on the cake and encourages those who are hesitant to give cover crops a try.”

Producers who received state or federal cost-sharing to plant cover crops in 2023 are not eligible for this year’s program. Applicants will need to use their FSA-578 form to complete the application, and there is no limit on acres an applicant can apply for. Applicants should keep seed receipts and planting records, as DATCP may conduct audits to ensure cover crops were planted.