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
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 or PRF NAP Table.
- 2024 RI Basic Provisions
- 2024 RI Crop Provisions
- Insurance Standards Handbook
- Grid ID Locator, Decision Support Tool, Historical Indices
- Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Archive
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
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.