Legislation that creates a Wisconsin nitrogen optimization pilot program and assists with improving water quality is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Chad Zuleger
Chad Zuleger is with the Dairy Business Association. He tells Brownfield, “It helps incentivize farmers who are engaging in new practices to reduce nitrogen on their farms. It’s really important that we start seeking new alternatives so farmers have the tools they need to address the water quality issues, and nitrates have been among the top issues to be dealing with.”
Zuleger says Wisconsin Assembly Bill 727 would also budget 400-thousand dollars to provide five-dollar-per-acre cover crop insurance premium rebates, “to incentivize farmers who might be on the cusp of giving it a shot, but just this little push we’re hoping will help incentivize farmers enough to give this practice a try.” Zuleger says similar cover crop programs have been successful in surrounding states including Iowa and Illinois.
