USDA Pilots New Annual Forage Insurance Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is piloting a new federal crop insurance plan that uses a rainfall index to provide coverage for annual forage crops. The Rainfall Index Annual Forage Insurance Plan is being tested in six states and covers crops planed annually and are used for livestock feed or fodder. All counties in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota are eligible to participate. The plan does not use actual crop production, but a rainfall index to insure against a decline based on long-term, historical precipitation value for a specific area for the same time period. Producers interested can decide whether the plan is right for them by using a decision support tool on the USDA Risk Management website. Crop insurance is sold and delivered through private crop insurance agents. Contact a local crop insurance agent for more information. Learn more or use the decision support tool.