By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will begin accepting applications for crop insurance premium rebates for cover crop planting at 12 p.m. on December 1, 2025. This initiative, run in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency, aims to encourage sustainable farming practices across the state.
A total of $800,000 in funding covering up to 160,000 acres will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible participants will receive a $5 per acre rebate on their summer 2026 crop insurance premium for acres where cover crops were planted in 2025 and later followed by an insurable crop.
Farmers who have already received state or federal cost-sharing to plant cover crops in 2025 will not be eligible for this year’s rebate.
Applicants should use their FSA-578 form when applying and are encouraged to retain seed receipts and planting documentation, as DATCP will perform audits to confirm planting activity. There is no acreage limit for applications.
Applications, eligibility details, and FAQs will be available at covercroprebate.wi.gov beginning December 1. The application period will remain open until 12 p.m. on January 30, 2026, or until funds are fully allocated.
This program continues under the 2025-2027 Executive Budget, where Governor Evers and the state legislature agreed to provide ongoing annual funding of $800,000 to support cover crop adoption and soil health improvement statewide.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Government & Policy