PRF Insurance Updates for 2027: What Policy Holders Should Know

The Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Rainfall Index insurance program remains a popular risk management tool for producers who rely on pastureland, rangeland, or forage acreage. 

As the December 1 sales closing date approaches, both current policyholders and producers considering coverage for the first time should be aware of several important program changes for the 2027 crop year.

The USDA Federal Crop Insurance Corporation has revised the Rainfall Index (RI) Plan Common Policy, Basic Provisions, and the Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Crop Provisions. These changes may affect how coverage is structured and administered moving forward.

Key Changes for the 2027 Crop Year

New Livestock Requirement for Grazing Coverage

For acreage insured under the grazing practice, producers must have an insurable interest in enough livestock to equal at least 25% of the average stocking rate for the insured acres.

Stocking rates will be determined using the Farm Service Agency (FSA) National Crop Table, and producers must maintain stocking rate records for three years following the crop year.

Reduced January/February Allocation Limit

The maximum percentage of insured acreage that can be allocated to the January/February interval has been reduced from 50% to 25%.

New Rainfall Data Source

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has changed the rainfall data source used by the PRF program from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

Understanding PRF Coverage

PRF is designed to provide coverage based on rainfall measurements within a designated geographic grid. Coverage is triggered when the rainfall index for an insured grid and selected two-month interval falls below the producer's chosen coverage level.

It is important to remember that PRF does not measure actual rainfall on an individual operation, forage production, grazing conditions, or financial losses. Indemnities are based solely on the rainfall index for the insured grid and interval.

Coverage is available for:

Producers can select:

Premiums vary by county, grid, practice, coverage level, and productivity factor.

Reviewing Your Coverage Strategy

For current policyholders, renewal season is a good opportunity to review interval allocations and ensure coverage selections continue to align with the operation's risk management objectives, particularly in light of the new interval limitations.

For producers considering PRF for the first time, it is important to understand how the rainfall index works, how selected intervals impact coverage, and how the program may fit within an overall risk management strategy.

New Leased Acres?

If you acquired leased acreage during the year and plan to insure it under your PRF policy, please provide a copy of the lease agreement or a signed Lease Certification form before enrollment.

Plan Ahead Before December 1

The sales closing date for the 2027 PRF policy year is December 1, 2026. After that date, coverage selections cannot be changed for the upcoming crop year.

Whether you're renewing an existing policy or evaluating PRF coverage for the first time, now is the time to review your options and understand how the recent program changes may affect your coverage decisions.

Contact your Farm Credit of Florida crop insurance agent to discuss your operation and learn more about the 2027 PRF program updates.

Helpful Resources

Want to learn more about PRF coverage and the recent program updates? The following resources can help you better understand how the program works and evaluate coverage options for your operation: