Pasture, Rangeland & Forage (PRF)

Support When Rainfall Falls Short

For hay growers & livestock producers

Pasture, Rangeland & Forage (PRF) insurance provides coverage when your grazing or hay-producing land receives less precipitation than usual. It’s not based on yield or actual forage loss, but on a rainfall index tied to your area. If rainfall falls below the average for your selected time period, the policy may trigger a payment. It’s a smart option for farmers and ranchers who rely on steady forage growth through spring, summer, or fall.

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What PRF Covers

Flexible plans built around your rainfall zones

PRF uses historical rainfall data and grid locations to determine when a loss has occurred. You select the intervals and acres that matter most to your operation.

Lack of Rainfall

Pays when rainfall is below the long-term average in your chosen 2-month intervals.

Covers Hay & Grazing Land

Designed for any acres used for pasture or forage production.

No Yield Reporting

Payouts are based on rainfall data — not your actual harvest or forage use.

Choose Your Calendar

You pick the months most critical for your operation’s forage needs.

Available Across NC

Rainfall index grids apply statewide — from the Sandhills to the Coastal Plain.

Villas & Shovel

PRF Policy FAQ

What farmers ask about forage coverage

  • How does PRF insurance work?

    PRF pays out when rainfall in your selected grid area and time period is lower than the historical average. You don’t have to prove loss or submit yield reports — it’s based on NOAA weather data. If the index falls far enough below average, your policy may trigger a payment. It’s a risk management tool designed for grazing and forage operations, not row crops.

  • What types of land can be insured under PRF?

    Any land used for grazing or hay production is eligible, including native pasture, improved hay fields, and rented ground. You can insure as much or as little of your acreage as you want. This gives flexibility for cow-calf producers, hay sellers, or those feeding livestock through the summer. The key is choosing the right timeframes for coverage based on your operation.

  • Do I need to file a claim or track rainfall myself?

    No — PRF uses satellite-based data from NOAA to track rainfall for your grid. If the index shows rainfall fell below the historical average, and you’ve selected that period for coverage, the policy may pay automatically. There’s no paperwork or manual monitoring required. We help you choose grids and intervals that align with your forage risk.

  • What counties is PRF available in?

    PRF is available across all counties in North Carolina. The state is divided into smaller grid areas for tracking rainfall, and we’ll help determine which one your land falls into. From Onslow County’s coastal pastures to inland hay fields in Sampson or Lenoir, PRF applies. It’s about your location’s long-term weather history, not county lines.

  • When should I sign up for PRF?

    Sign-up for PRF usually happens in the fall, well before the coverage year begins. That’s when you choose your acres, intervals, and coverage levels. Planning ahead helps ensure the policy lines up with your growing season. We’ll walk through each step and help you plan for the year ahead.