State Senator Joan Ballweg | Wisconsin State Legislature
State Senator Joan Ballweg | Wisconsin State Legislature
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced that the application period for crop insurance premium rebates for planting cover crops will open on December 1, 2023. This program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (RMA), aims to encourage farmers to use cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
According to State Senator Joan Ballweg, "There is $800,000, or 160,000 acres of coverage, to be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients 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 the following year."
It is important to note that 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 the number of acres an applicant can apply for. Applicants should also keep seed receipts and planting records, as DATCP may conduct audits to ensure cover crops were planted.
The rebate application will be web-based and will be available on DATCP's website until January 31, 2024, or until program funding is exhausted. More information about eligibility and FAQs can be found on DATCP's website, and any questions about the rebates should be directed to DATCPCC@wisconsin.gov.
In addition to this exciting opportunity for farmers, the Wisconsin National Guard is accepting ornaments to decorate the Tribute to Our Troops Tree at the Wisconsin Executive Residence. The tree, which has been a tradition since 2005, is specifically decorated to honor the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces. Ornaments for the tree can be plain, fancy, or personalized to honor a specific fallen service member or deployed members over the holiday season. Ornaments must be delivered by Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to be displayed on the tree.
The Executive Residence will be hosting holiday tours where the Tribute to Our Troops Tree will be a part of the tour. Tours are available on various dates in December, and visitors will have the opportunity to see the tree and appreciate the sacrifice of our troops.
Finally, for those looking for local events to attend, there are a variety of options happening in the coming days. These include a Free Thanksgiving Dinner in Waupaca, a Free Movie in Adams County, Christmas in Princeton, and many more. A full list of local events and their details can be found in the original article.
For more information on these initiatives and updates on Senator Joan Ballweg's work in Madison, you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, or visit her website.
To learn more, click on this link: https://mailchi.mp/legis/thanksgiving
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