The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced a change to the rainfall data source used in several Federal crop insurance programs. This update will affect programs that use precipitation data to calculate coverage and indemnities, including Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF). The change moves rainfall data from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
RMA stated that the overall structure of these programs is not changing. At this time, producers should be aware of the key dates and what RMA has shared about the transition.
Key points:
- Current data source: NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC)
- Future data source: National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
- PRF transition date: August 31, 2026
- Annual Forage transition date: April 30, 2027
- Other affected programs: Apiculture and Shellfish
What stays the same:
- Geographic grids
- Overall program structure
According to RMA, the purpose of the update is to improve transparency and access to the rainfall data used in these programs. RMA stated that NCEI data will be available in usable formats such as Microsoft Excel. These formats will make it easier for producers and agents to access and use the data. RMA also noted that the change includes better data support and a more consistent data release schedule. RMA plans to release producer tools and resources at each contract change date to help explain the new dataset.
Geographic grids used to measure rainfall will remain in place. Keeping the grids the same is intended to help minimize impacts to producers. RMA said it anticipates that final grid index values and indemnity payments will be delivered faster under the upgraded data source.
For PRF, that transition date is August 31, 2026. For Annual Forage, the transition date is later, occurring on April 30, 2027.
PRM will continue to watch for updates from RMA and share additional information as it becomes available. Producers interested in PRF or wanting to review how PRF may fit their operation can speak with a Risk Management Advisor.
You can read the full RMA statement here.
