The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) encourages ranchers and livestock producers to take advantage of additional protection for their operation by signing up for Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Crop Insurance by Nov. 15, 2014. Ranchers and producers signing up for this insurance option will have an additional safety net in place for their livestock operations.
“There are more than 1 million livestock operations across the country, according to the most recent U.S. Agriculture Census,” said RMA Administrator, Brandon Willis. “This insurance policy offers America’s ranchers and livestock producers a little extra confidence that they’ll be able to feed their herd and protect their livelihood.”
Pastures, rangelands, and forages cover nearly 55 percent of all land in the United States. RMA’s area-based policy uses index-based data to calculate claims payments. Producers have the option of selecting one of two different plans, depending on their needs. The Rainfall Index plan is based on weather data collected and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Vegetation Index plan is based on the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Resources Observation and Science data. Both plans cover perennial pasture, rangeland, or forage used to feed livestock.
“This policy is another part of USDA’s commitment to help rural communities grow,” said Willis. “We want to make sure U.S. farmers and ranchers can take advantage of safety net programs like this when they have the chance.”
Because forage grows differently in different areas, it is important for ranchers and livestock producers to know which types and techniques work best for their region to determine the most appropriate coverage plan for them. Ranchers and livestock producers are encouraged to use the decision support tool and historical indices at http://maps.agforceusa.com/prf/ri/ to determine whether Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Crop Insurance offers the coverage they need and if area results compare to their past production. USDA encourages ranchers and livestock producers to visit www.rma.usda.gov/policies/pasturerangeforage/ to learn more about availability in their area.
The final date for ranchers and livestock producers to purchase or make changes to their Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Crop Insurance policies for the 2015 crop year is Nov. 15, 2014. Federal crop insurance, which is sold through private crop insurance agents, offers a variety of options that may impact coverage and premium costs. Producers are encouraged to work with their insurance agent to determine the coverage that best meets their risk management needs. Ranchers and livestock producers can find an insurance agent in their area at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Visit RMA’s pasture, rangeland and forage website to learn more and get information about program training, tools, and indices.
In addition to Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Crop Insurance there are eight other livestock insurance policies available. Producers are encouraged to visit www.rma.usda.gov/livestock/,
Source: USDA Risk Management Agency
Posted by Jami Howell
