Country Lifestyles

Agriculture 101: What is Rangeland, Pasture, and Forage Insurance?

Written by

If you have a pasture, rangeland, or forage acres being grown for grazing livestock or haying then Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance is something to look into. This was designed specially to give you the opportunity to buy insurance protection for losses of forage that was produced for grazing or harvested for hay which has resulted in destocking, depopulating, or increased costs for feed. The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage program does not measure the production or loss of products themselves, instead, it uses a rainfall index to determine precipitation for coverage purposes.

Photo Credit: The Home Agency

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center’s (NOAA CPC) data is used by the Rainfall Index. Each grid is approximately 17 x 17 miles. Based on the location to be insured, acres will be assigned to one or more grids. A producer must select at least two, two-month periods called index intervals when precipitation plays an important role in their operation. It is very important for ranchers and farmers to know and understand that payments aren’t based on individual rain gauges on a single weather station or on their farm. They are based on the interpolated data for the entire National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center’s grid which might not be traced back to a single reporting station. The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance is available in forty-eight contiguous states with some exceptions of a few grids that cross international borders.

Photo Credit: Texas Farm Bureau

The Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage insurance was specially designed to help protect the producers’ operation from the risks of forage loss due to the lack of precipitation. Based on the expected precipitation during specific intervals only. It was not designed to insure against an ongoing or severe drought.

Photo Credit: Ag Risk Solutions

Approximately fifty-five percent of all U.S. land is covered by Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage. It’s important for ranchers and farmers to know which techniques and types work best for their region as forage grows differently in different areas.

Photo Credit: Texas Farm Bureau

By using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center’s data for their grids and index intervals is how insurance payments are determined. The producer may receive an indemnity when the final grid index falls below the policyholder’s “trigger grid index”. This insurance is for lack of precipitation which is for a single peril and the coverage is based on the experience of the entire grid. It’s not based on specific weather stations, individual ranches, or farms.

Photo Credit: EastCo Group


CKP Insurance

Our trained professionals will walk you through a range of options using risk-assessment tools that will take the pressure off when there is a drought in your area. The program is very affordable because the government subsidizes 51%-59% of the premium.

“Those Who Expect More Choose CKP”

We Got What You Need
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance was designed to help protect your operation from the risks of forage losses that are produced for grazing or harvested for hay, resulting in increased costs for feed.

Anyone can sell you a policy. But CKP Insurance invests the time to understand your needs and develop a strategy that will produce the best coverage results.

Megan deFabry

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry, I grew up in Reno, Nevada & I now reside in Austin, Texas. I'm very passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially within the Western industry. I'm driven by faith, and have a love for the outdoors, agriculture, rodeos, country music, and maintaining the Western way of life!

Recent Posts

Largest Single Women’s Pro Rodeo Event Payout in History – Kimes Ranch Million $ Breakaway

The Kimes Ranch Million $ Breakaway features top female ropers competing for one million dollars. Read More

13 hours ago

Peace of Mind in the Heart of Ocotillo: Phoenix ER Has You Covered

Phoenix ER in Downtown Ocotillo Plaza offers quick emergency care, minimal wait times, expert staff,… Read More

3 days ago

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Fashion at Shoppers Supply

As the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo approaches, western fashion is in the spotlight, and… Read More

3 days ago

Gilbert Days Rodeo 2024

Once recognized as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” Gilbert, Arizona has quickly expanded,… Read More

1 week ago

Million $ Breakaway Announces Musical Line Up, Tickets On Sale Now

Kimes Ranch Set to Host Historical Women’s Professional Rodeo Event in Scottsdale, AZ SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.… Read More

2 weeks ago

Heart Horses: The Healing Impact of Healing Horsemanship for Veterans

On Veterans Day, we honor those who have valiantly served their country, paying homage to… Read More

2 weeks ago