RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 15, 2015 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) will now provide pasture, rangeland and forage (PRF) coverage in all Vermont counties for 2016. Producers have until November 15, 2015, to buy coverage under the Rainfall Index program on their 2016 crop.

The Rainfall Index is a group risk policy that covers apiculture as well as forage and livestock producers’ forage grown for grazing or harvested for hay. The Rainfall Index uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Insurance payments to a producer who suffers a loss are calculated on the deviation from normal precipitation within the area and time period selected.

A nationwide insurance coverage map is available on the RMA website in the policies section. A mapping tool is also available for producers to locate which land is insurable, and has historical data and coverage details.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2016 crop year. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at the RMA Website.