Rainfall Index (RI) is based on weather data collected and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. The index reflects how much precipitation is received relative to the long-term average for a specified area and timeframe. The program divides the country into six regions due to different weather patterns, with pilots available in select counties. Additional information on NOAA CPC’s interpolation and quality control process can be found in NOAA CPC’s Conceptual Description Paper.
- County Availability: Map Viewer
Rainfall Index – Contiguous 48 States
Annual Forage
The United States currently comprises about 954 million acres of farmland. The Annual Forage pilot program provides coverage to acreage that is planted each year and used as feed and fodder by livestock. This pilot program utilizes the Rainfall Index to correlate to this acreage. Also see livestock policies and resources.
Apiculture
The United States currently produces about 163 million pounds of honey each year. The following insurance programs utilize various indexing systems to assess plant growth and vigor, which correlates to honey production.
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage
Pasture, Rangeland, and forages cover approximately 55 percent of all U.S. land. Forage grows differently in different areas, so it's important for farmers and ranchers to know which types and techniques work best for their region. The following insurance program is available for Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF). Also see livestock policies.
News
- USDA Expands Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Crop Insurance to Hawaii (Apr 30, 2024)
- USDA Extends Deadline for Public Comments on Recommendations for Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Crop Insurance Program (Oct 29, 2020)
- USDA Seeks Public Comments on Recommendations for Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Crop Insurance Program (Sep 21, 2020)
- USDA Expands Forage Crop Insurance Option Nationwide for Livestock Producers (Aug 31, 2015)
- PM-17-049 - Rainfall Index and Vegetation Index Basic Provisions and Rainfall Index Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Crop Provisions Changes Effective for 2018 and Succeeding Crop Years (Aug 25, 2017)
- Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Pilot Insurance Program Fact Sheet
- Summary Overview of Rainfall Index Insurance plan for Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage
- Pasture, Rangeland, Forage FAQs
- Rainfall Index and Vegetation Index Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage General Program Overview
- Rainfall Index Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Technology
- Rainfall Index and Vegetation Index Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Shares
- Rainfall Index and Vegetation Index Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Tool
Rainfall Index – Hawaii
The Rainfall Index (RI) is based on weather data collected and maintained by the Hawaii Data Climate Portal (HCDP). The index reflects how much precipitation is received relative to the long-term average for a specified area and timeframe.
PRF Hawaii
The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance was designed to help protect a producer’s livestock operation from the risks of forage loss due to the lack of precipitation. It's important for farmers and ranchers to know which months are most important for forage growth in their area to select the appropriate coverage for their grazing acres. Below are the program materials for the PRF Hawaii program. If producers are interested other livestock risk management tools, also see livestock policies.
Contact Information
For more information regarding these programs, contact a qualified Crop Insurance Agent.
For more information regarding the contents of this page, contact RMA.