Fertilizer

Annual Fertilizer Dealer License

You must have an annual license to distribute fertilizer products in Wisconsin. The license fee for persons holding an active pesticide license (Restricted-Use Dealers License or Commercial Applicator Business License) is $30. The license fee for persons not holding an active pesticide license is $44. You must also complete and submit a fertilizer tonnage report and pay tonnage fees on fertilizer distributed in Wisconsin. Effective July 1, 2007, the tonnage fee was reduced to $1.06 per ton. Please see the types of fertilizer operations list below to help you complete the annual license application.

The renewal packet is mailed the middle of July. Do NOT use the forms in the annual fertilizer license packet (below) for the renewal of your current fertilizer license. Please wait until you receive your renewal packet.

You will need PDF reader to view the annual fertilizer license.

Annual Fertilizer License - 5 page PDF
The annual fertilizer license packet includes a cover letter along with a list of fertilizer operation types, the license application, the tonnage report, a tonnage credit sheet, a payment summary, an organic crop production exemption and a special use/low-analysis fertilizer permit. Complete this last item if you intend to distribute low analysis, special use or non-agricultural fertilizer.

Low-Analysis Fertilizers

If you intend to distribute "low-analysis" fertilizer which is a fertilizer with less than 24% N + P + K (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), you must receive a nonagricultural or special-use fertilizer permit for this type of fertilizer. For example, a fertilizer with an analysis of 5-5-10 would need a permit. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is required for each product and product grade.

To distribute low-analysis fertilizer, you must apply for an annual fertilizer license, complete a tonnage report and pay tonnage fees.

Nonagricultural and special-use fertilizer permits remain in effect indefinitely, unless you change the product's label or formulation or the product is discontinued.

Non-Agricultural or Special-Use Fertilizer

Non-agricultural fertilizer permits are for nonfarm use, such as home gardens, lawns, shrubbery, flowers, golf courses, parks, cemeteries, greenhouse or nurseries, or for research or experimental purposes, according to the Wisconsin Fertilizer Law, Chapter 94.64(1)(Lm).

Special-use fertilizer permits are for products designed and labeled for remedying nutrient deficiencies unique to certain agricultural crops or certain local areas, as described in Chapter 94.64(1)(q) of the Wisconsin Fertilizer Law.

To distribute either non-agricultural or special-use fertilizer, you must apply for an annual fertilizer license, complete a tonnage report and pay tonnage fees and apply for a non-agricultural or special-use fertilizer permit.

The licenses are renewed annually while the permits remain in effect indefinitely, unless you change the product's label or formulation.

License Lists

The list of licensed Wisconsin fertilizer dealers.

Wisconsin Licensed Fertilizer Listing (Revised 7/11/11) Excel Spreadsheet

Rules and Regulations

You should become familiar with the Wisconsin Fertilizer Law (ch. 94.64 Wisconsin Statutes) and the Wisconsin Fertilizer Rule (ATCP 40, Wisconsin Administrative Code).

Turf Fertilizer: Restrictions on Use, Sale and Display
Beginning April 1, 2010, fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus or available phosphate cannot be applied to lawns or turn in Wisconsin unless the fertilizer application qualifies under certain exemptions.

Fertilizer Tonnage Summary

The 2007-2008 summary of fertilizer tonnage: 2007-2008 Fertilizer Summary - 4 page PDF

The 2006-2007 summary of fertilizer tonnage: 2006-2007 Fertilizer Summary - 4 page PDF

For more information call 608-224-4541 or email.