Pasture, Rangeland & Forage Insurance-PRF Rainfall Index Coverage in North Dakota

Feed Supply Protection When Rainfall Misses the Mark

Pasture, Rangeland & Forage (PRF) Insurance is a federally subsidized rainfall index program for North Dakota ranchers and hay producers. Instead of measuring actual yields, PRF pays you when rainfall in your local area falls short of the historical average-helping offset feed shortages, hay losses, or the cost of buying expensive replacement feed in dry years. It's designed for operations that depend on pasture or hay for cattle, stocker, or hay sales.

Index-Based Coverage-Simple, Predictable, and Effective

Coverage Based on Rainfall, Not Yield

Choose coverage intervals (two-month windows) that match when your operation most relies on forage or pasture growth.

Area-Based Measurement

If NOAA rainfall in your grid and interval is below average, the policy pays-no field-by-field claim needed.

Customizable Structure

Select which months to cover, the percentage of your acres, and your desired coverage level-Gateway guides you through the options.

Applies to Hayland & Grazing

Works for native pasture, rangeland, improved hay, and even some annual forages.

Best Fit for ND Ranch & Hay Producers

Cow-Calf & Stocker Operations

Reduce the financial hit from buying supplemental feed in a dry stretch.

Hay Producers

Stabilize cash flow when rainfall cuts hay yields.

Feedlot & Grazing

Useful for anyone who relies on homegrown forage as a core feed cost control.

Gateway Insurance helps you align coverage intervals and structure with your actual feeding and grazing plans.

Coverage That Matches North Dakota's Unpredictable Seasons

ND operations face wide swings in spring/summer rain-PRF lets you pick the months when moisture matters most.

Index insurance smooths out feed budgeting, even when "the rain just doesn't come."

We're local-review your plan annually in Bismarck, Mandan, or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How are payments determined?

    If rainfall in your grid and selected intervals is below the historical average, you receive an indemnity-no yield proof or field loss claim is needed.

  • What do I need to enroll?

    Just your acres, location, and a general idea of when you rely most on pasture/hay growth. Gateway guides you through each step and files the paperwork for you.

  • Is PRF insurance good for cow-calf operations?

    Yes-PRF is designed for operations that rely on grass/pasture for grazing. It's also valuable for hay-only and mixed systems.

  • Does it work for hay in North Dakota?

    Yes-PRF applies to both grazing and hayland, covering most forage types grown in ND.

Make PRF Index Coverage Work for Your Operation

Gateway Insurance explains coverage in plain English, helps you select intervals, and reviews your plan each season. We work with all operation sizes and can quote across carriers for the best fit.