The Rainfall Index – Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Insurance policy is an area-based insurance plan that covers perennial pasture, rangeland, or forage used to feed livestock. It provides producers a risk management tool to cover forage losses due to lack of the precipitation needed to produce forage for their operation. The coverage is based on precipitation expected during specific intervals and is not design to insure against ongoing or severe drought. This policy is available for all counties in Iowa.
RMA Frequently Asked Questions
Table 1. Policy Dates for 2024 Coverage in Iowa
| 2024 | Date |
|---|---|
| Sales Closing Date | December 1, 2023 |
| Cancellation Date | December 1, 2023 |
| Acreage Reporting Date | December 1, 2023 |
| Premium Billing Date | September 1, 2024 |
| End of Insurance Date | December 31, 2024 |
| Termination Date | December 1, 2024 |
| Contract Change Date | August 31, 2024 |
Figure 1. Acres covered by Pasture, Rangeland, Forage insurance in Iowa, 2016-2023
The video presentation below provides an example of how RI-PRF policy coverage can work. NOTE: policy deadlines mentioned at the end are not applicable for current policies. Refer to Table 1 for current deadlines. Additional revisions released in 2021 can be found on the RMA website.
Additional Resources
Rainfall Index Common Policy – Basic Provisions – 2024
Rainfall Index – Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Crop Provisions – 2024
Rainfall Index Insurance Standards Handbook
United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers seven livestock plans and an annual forage insurance plan. Talk to your crop insurance agent to help you decide the option that is right for your operation, or use the Agent Locator to find one near you.
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