By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is encouraging farmers to apply for its crop insurance premium rebate program, which is now open.
Applications must be submitted online through DATCP’s website and will be accepted until January 31, 2026, or until all available funds have been distributed. The program is administered by DATCP in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency.
A total of $800,000 in funding is available, covering up to 160,000 acres, and rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible producers can receive a rebate of $5 per acre on their summer 2026 crop insurance premiums.
To qualify, acres must have been planted with cover crops in 2025 and then planted with an insurable crop in the following growing season.
Farmers who received state or federal cost-share assistance for cover crop planting in 2025 are not eligible to participate in this program.
Applicants are required to use their FSA-578 form when completing the application. There is no cap on the number of acres that can be submitted.
Producers should retain seed invoices and planting documentation, as DATCP may conduct audits to verify compliance. Additional eligibility details and frequently asked questions are available on DATCP’s website. For further assistance, producers may contact DATCP at DATCPCC@wisconsin.gov.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Government & Policy