In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s RMA, DATCP recently closed the third application cycle for its Crop Insurance Premium Rebates program. These are for Planting Cover Crops.
Through 2021 Wisconsin Act 233, Gov. Evers created the cover crop insurance program. It is to help protect soil and water resources and support producers implementing cover crop practices. Since 2022, 160,000 acres of coverage, or $800,000, has been awarded annually on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program participants receive a $5 per acre rebate credit to their crop insurance premium for acres planted with cover crops, then subsequently planted to an insurable cash crop. All acres are verified for eligibility prior to the issuance of rebates.
To date, producers in 60 of the 72 Wisconsin counties have participated in the program, and each year, an increased number of cover crop acreage is submitted during the application period. This year, program applications exceeded 224,000 acres, demonstrating how interest in the program far exceeds the funding available.
“The cover crop insurance rebate program is a newer program, but it is quickly growing in popularity with farmers,” said Secretary Romanski. “Governor Evers recognizes the value this tool provides to farmers, and his 2025-2027 budget includes $1.6 million to continue the program. This program has received bi-partisan support in the past. As the next budget progresses, we are hopeful that bi-partisan support for these strategic investments in Wisconsin producers will continue.”
DATCP has worked collaboratively with applicants, insurance providers, and the RMA to improve the application process since the program’s inception. A copy of the web-based rebate application, information about eligibility, and FAQs are available on covercroprebate.wi.gov.
