# Presentation: 860400

## Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Plan of Insurance 

- This presentation does not replace or supersede any procedures or modify any provisions contained in the complete insurance policy.

**Notes:**
Notes will be provided to supplement these slides.

The notes will direct the reader to specific pages of the Training Manual that accompanies this slide set.

Details can be found in the PRF Vegetation Index Training Manual.

Additional details can be found in the PRF VI Crop Insurance Standards Handbook and the appropriate Crop Policies.

Thank you.

## Introduction and Program Overview

- Introduction and Overview
- Science Behind the Program
- Program Basics
- Detailed Example
- Additional Tools and Information

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Introduction’ - page 1

## Program Overview Purpose

- The intent of this section:
- Introduction to program and unique topics
- Provide background and basic philosophy
- Details of the program provided in following sections

**Notes:**
This is section is to provide an overview – the following sections will provide details.

## History

- The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA) mandates programs to cover pasture and rangeland
- Two new pilot programs approved for 2007 Crop Year
- Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) – Vegetation Index
- Covered in this training
- Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) – Rainfall Index

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘History’ - page 1

## Introduction

- Beginning with the 2007 CY

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Introduction’ - page 1

RMA web site contains SPOI for all the state and counties included in the pilot.

## Program Potential

- Estimated acres covered by the pilot

| State | Grazingland Acres | Hayland Acres |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Colorado | 6,999,791 | 250,480 |
| Oklahoma | 14,732,631 | 1,301,112 |
| Oregon | 12,479,419 | 551,819 |
| Pennsylvania | 218,386 | 285,480 |
| South Carolina | 251,952 | 38,302 |
| South Dakota | 21,827,464 | 788,963 |
| Total | 56,509,643 | 3,216,156 |

*Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture for grazingland and Hayland plus 1997 Census of Agriculture data for Grazing Permit Acres for the County Data*

**Notes:**
Estimates Only.

## Program Potential

- Estimated program potential:
- (assume: Participation = 10%, Coverage Level = 75%...)

| State | Estimated Average Rate | Estimated Premium Volume |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Colorado | 9.0% | $1,217,513 |
| Oklahoma | 6.3% | $2,580,173 |
| Oregon | 7.8% | $2,729,686 |
| Pennsylvania | 6.1% | $629,002 |
| South Carolina | 5.2% | $78,339 |
| South Dakota | 9.9% | $3,242,753 |
| Total |  | $10,477,466 |

*Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture for grazingland and Hayland plus 1997 Census of Agriculture data for Grazing Permit Acres for the County Data*

**Notes:**
Estimates Only.

## Challenges

- Crop challenges
- Various plant species
- Timing of plant growth
- Crop continuously harvested via livestock
- Lack of individual/industry data
- Vast range of management practices across the industry
- Publicly announced prices not available

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘History’ - page 1; ‘Biology of the Crop’ – page 5

## Crop Information

- Crop
- (0088) Pasture, Rangeland, Forage
- Crop Types
- (064) Grazingland
- (063) Hayland

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Insured Crop and Crop Types’ - page 10

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) 

SPOI

## Crop Types

- Grazingland
- Established acreage of forage
- Intended for grazing by livestock
- Acreage must be suitable for grazing

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Insured Crop and Crop Types’ - page 10

PRF CISH:

Section 3 (C) 

## Crop Types

- Hayland** **
- Established acreage of perennial forage
- Intended for haying
- Acreage must be suitable for haying
- Program covers all types of grazing and haying forage (i.e. not just for alfalfa)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Insured Crop and Crop Types’ - page 10

PRF CISH:

Section 3 (C) 

## Program Overview

- GRP program
- Goal – utilize an existing policy type
- Capitalize on current program familiarity
- Increase marketability and effectiveness
- The resulting design is based on the principles of the existing GRP program

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Overview’ - page 2

## Program Overview

- Index background
- Lack of actual producer/industry production data
- No consistent and sound methodology for measuring production for the crop
- The _deviation from long-term normal NDVI _is used to establish the index
- Crop ‘greenness’ reflectivity has a high degree of correlation to forage production

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Technology Utilized’ - page 6

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (D) (3)

## Program Overview

- Index driven – EROS data (Earth Resources Observation and Science – USGS)
-  Primary index difference
- Based on EROS data vs. NASS county yields
-  Reports NDVI data (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index – aka ‘greenness’)
-  Widely used source of NDVI information
-  Dependable source
-  Sufficient data history – since 1989
-  Consistent and universal coverage through a grid system
- Grid boundaries vs. county boundaries

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Technology Utilized’ - page 6

## Program Overview

- Area of insurance = 8 x 8 km (~4.8 x 4.8 miles)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Technology Utilized’ - page 6

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (A) and (C)

## Program Overview

- Areas of insurance are grids (grids 8 x 8 km)
- Grids vs. County
- Grids are approximately 4.8 x 4.8 miles in size
- Provides for a consistent program across the United States
- Counties vary in size, but the grids do not
- Grid size reduces basis risk vs. county size
- Allows for closer correlation to individual experience
- Grids will cross county and state lines

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Overview’ - page 3

## Program Overview

- Index Intervals
- Multiple Intervals offered – _4_
- Crop Year divided into 4, _3-month_ intervals for each grid
- Similar to Crop Practices
- Ability for producers to manage appropriate timing risks
- Correlate to individual growth patterns and production seasons
- The _3-month_ intervals provide for greater reaction to forage reduction events vs. a yearly average

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

SPOI:
Contain exact dates and Index interval/practice statements
PRF CISH: 
Section 3 (C)

## Program Overview

- Index Intervals

- Crop Year

- 12 months

- Begins April 1st

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

## Program Overview

- Index Intervals

- Intervals

- Crop Year

- 12 months

- 4, 3-month

- Begins April 1st

- I

- II

- III

- IV

*Note: Actual dates discussed in Program Basics*

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

## Program Overview

- Index Intervals
- These Intervals act as ‘mini-insurance periods’
- For example, indemnities payable on one Interval are not dependent on results from other Intervals

- Intervals

- 4, 3-month

- I

- II

- III

- IV

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

## Program Overview

- Index Intervals
- Minimizes dependency on subjective pre-determined forage growing seasons
- Maintains consistency across the country
- Allows for regional and local variances
- Allows individual freedom to select appropriate intervals
- Index intervals are mutually exclusive
- One index does not effect the others
- All rated separately

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

SPOI:
Contain exact dates and Index interval/practice statements
PRF CISH: 
Section 3 (C)
Section 3 (C) (6) (i)

## Program Overview

- Index Intervals
- Producers may select more than 1 interval
- The purpose of the program is to insure annual forage production
- Minimum amount if more than one interval is selected is 10%

**Notes:**
PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (6) (i)

## Program Overview

- Coverage Levels
- Percentages available: 90, 85, 80, 75, and 70
- Consistent with other GRP programs
- Higher coverage levels reduce basis risk
- Correlates closer to individual experience
-  Catastrophic Risk Protection (CAT)
- Not currently available
- Producers are still eligible for NAP coverage

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Coverage Levels’ - page 12

RMA website coverage and rate tables
PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (6) (c) and (f)
Section 3 (H) (4)
Section 4 (B) (3)
Section 5 (B) (8)

## Program Overview

- Rating
- Each grid, index interval, and coverage level is individually rated
- Minimizes adverse selection
- No economic advantage of insuring in one scenario vs. another
- Encourages producers to select a scenario that best mitigates their operation/production risks
- Adequate data permits the individual rating
- Allowing the rates to accurately reflect the risks of each scenario

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Overview’ - page 3

## Program Overview

- Not required to insure 100% of acreage
- Forage utilized in the annual grazing or hay cycle can be insured without insuring all acreage
- All acres within a property may not be productive, e.g., rocky areas, submerged areas
- Provides additional flexibility for the insured to design the coverage to his specific needs
- Because the program is a group program and other programs are not available, there is no opportunity to ‘move’ production

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Basics’ - page 8

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (5)
Section 4 (D) (7) (d) and (E) (1)

## Program Overview

- Sales Closing Date: November 30
- Only one Sales Closing per year
- Consistent with other programs’ SCD
- Minimizes possible forecasting and program abuse
- 100+ day lag to the crop year
- Note: *This is a change from earlier versions of the policy sent to the companies (originally set in December) – but was changed due to company feedback*

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Dates’ - page 11

Dates are contained in the applicable crop policy and SPOI

## Program Overview

- Program supported via internet
- Provides the most efficient and effective way to deliver the program
- Allows access to the mapping tools
- Locate grazing areas and associated Grid ID numbers
- Provides access to the historical Vegetation indices
- Allows access to all relevant data, materials, and tools associated with the program

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Use of the website’ - page 16

## Advantages

- Flexibility
- Covers predominant peril
- Provides for timely indemnities
- Index intervals are mutually exclusive
- Individual loss adjustments not needed
- Easily understood Index
- Production records not required
- Moral hazard and adverse selection minimized

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Advantages’ - page 4

## Disadvantages

- Individual losses/experiences not covered
- Slight terminology differences from other GRP programs

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Disadvantages’ - page 5

## Questions

## Science and Technology Behind the Program

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Background of the Science Utilized’ - page 5

## Crop Biology

- The program addresses forage-based production systems on land areas producing primarily perennial vegetation
- Comprised of diverse plant communities and mixtures:
- Perennial and annual
- Warm season and cool season
- Different growth habits over extended time periods

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Biology of the Crop’ - page 5

## Crop Biology

- Forage may be harvested directly by grazing animals, harvested for hay, or a combination of both:
- Continual harvest and/or single haying
- Capacity to live and reproduce from year to year
- Because of the nature of forage-based systems the program is designed to insure the annual production

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Biology of the Crop’ - page 5

## Program Technology

- Based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data derived from satellites observing the changes in greenness of vegetation of the earth
- The plan does not explicitly predict individual forage production
- It relates to the amount of vegetation on earth and the changes in greenness over time
- This is correlated with forage production

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Technology Utilized’ - page 6

## Program Technology

- Historical data since 1989
- Data updated every 14 days
- Grids are 8km
- Data collected in 1km grids – aggregated up to 8km grids
- ~ 4.8 x 4.8 miles in size, and used in many other national programs

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Technology Utilized’ - page 6

## Program Technology

- The Vegetation Index is derived from 2 data sources:
- NDVI data from NASA and processed by EROS
- NOAA gridded average daily temperature data
- NDVI captures vegetation ‘greenness’
- Temperature correction for excessive hot and cold temperatures suppressing growth even when plants are green

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Technology Utilized’ - page 6

## Grid Example

**Notes:**
Example

## Questions

## Program Basics 

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Basics’ - page 8

## Terminology and Other Differences

- Grid and Grid ID versus County
- Insurable and Insured acres versus Planted acres
- Index versus Yields
- Accumulative NDVI based grid index versus NASS county yield index
- The program is web based
- No CAT coverage offered at this time
- Not required to insure 100% of acres
- Grid IDs, crop types, and index intervals will be determined prior to the Sales Closing Date

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Terminology’ - page 9

## Basic Definitions

***County:*** may also include any acreage within a grid ID that crosses an adjoining county or state line where the acreage is contiguous

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Basics’ - page 8

Definition in the applicable crop provisions

## Basic Definitions

***Insurable Acreage:***** **Hayland and grazingland that is not planted annually
- Overseeding into acreage of existing forage crops is acceptable
- Annually planted crops currently not insurable
- Insurable acres will consist of the total number of acres suitable for insurance under these crop provisions
- Includes both insured acres and uninsured acres

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Insured Crop and Crop Types’ - page 10

Definition in the applicable crop provisions

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (6) (g) and (C) (7)
Section 4 (B) (6)

## Basic Definitions

***Insured Acres:***** **The number of insurable acres selected to be insured by a producer
- May choose to insure either Grazingland, Hayland, or both
- Not required to insure 100% of the crop type(s)
- If the insured chooses to insure the crop types under this policy they cannot insure the same crop under any other FCIC subsidized program

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Insured Crop and Crop Types’ - page 10

Definition in the applicable crop provisions

PRF CISH:
Section 4 (E) (1)

## Basic Definitions

***Unit:*** The insured acres within or assigned to a grid ID for each crop type, and index interval
- If there are multiple Grid IDs on a policy the index values are not added together, each unit and crop stands on its own
- Basic Units only – no basic unit discount

**Notes:**
PRF CISH:
Section 4 (E) (7)

## Basic Definitions

***County Base Value:***** **established production value of grazingland and hayland forage
- Only one value _per county for each crop type_
- Does not include GRP 1.5 multiplier
***Productivity Factor:*** A percentage multiplier allowing the insured to individualize coverage based on their individual crop productivity
- Insured selects between 60 and 150%
- Concept is the same as ‘price election’ in other GRP policies
**Only one** productivity factor may be selected per _county and crop type _

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Policy Protection’ - page 13

See definition in applicable crop provision

## Basic Definitions

***Dollar Amount of Protection per Acre:***** **The county base value (CBV) per acre, multiplied by the productivity factor (PF) (60% - 150%), multiplied by the coverage level (CL) (70% - 90%)
** ****	**** ****EXAMPLE:**
- $17.65 (CBV) *x *1.20 (PF) *x *0.85 (CL)* *= **$18.00**** **per Acre
**Only one** dollar amount of protection per acre _for each county and crop type_

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Policy Protection’ - page 13

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (D) (1)
Section 4 (B) (7) and (C) (1)

## Basic Definitions

***Policy Protection per Unit:***** **Dollar amount of protection per acre, multiplied by the insured acres, multiplied by the producer’s share of the unit for each grid
**EXAMPLE:**** **
- 	$ Amount of Protection/ac = $18.00, Insured Acres = 1,000, Share = 100%,
- 	50% Interval II, 50% Interval III
*For:*
-   	Index Interval II:   $18.00 *x* 500 ac *x* 100% (share) = **$9,000**
-  	Index Interval III:  $18.00 *x* 500 ac *x* 100% (share) = **$9,000**
***Policy***** *****Protection:*** The sum of the policy protection per units (**$18,000)**

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Policy Protection’ - page 13

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (G) (2)
Section 4 (B) (8) and (I) (8)

## Program Dates

***Crop Year:***   April 01 – March 31
***Sales Closing Date:***   November 30 (crop type, dollar amount of protection per acre, coverage, Grid ID, index intervals, and items relevant to acreage report)
***Acreage Reporting Date:***   November 30
***Contract Change Date:***  August 31
***Premium Billing Date:***  October 01

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Dates’ - page 11

Dates are contained in the applicable crop provisions and SPOI

## Program Dates

- 08/31
- Contract Change

- 11/30
- Sales Closing  / Acreage Reporting

- 04/01
- Start of Crop Year

- 10/01
- Premium Billing

- 03/31
- End of Crop Year

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Dates’ - page 11

## Coverage

***CAT***** **
- Coverage currently not available
***Coverage Levels***
- 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90%
**only one** coverage level _for each of the insured crop types in the county_
- Consistent with other GRP RBUP

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Coverage Levels’ - page 12

RMA website coverage and rate tables
PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (6) (c) and (f)
Section 3 (H) (4)
Section 4 (B) (3)
Section 5 (B) (8)

## Index Intervals

***Index Interval:***** **a specified period of time in which _NDVI _data is collected resulting in a grid index
- Producer can insure in any interval
- Can insure in _1, 2, 3, or all 4_ intervals – or any combination
- Minimum insurance = 10% in any chosen interval
- _Maximum insurance_
- There is _no maximum_ amount of insurance per interval

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

SPOI:
Contain exact dates and Index interval/practice statements

PRF CISH: 
Section 3 (C)

## Index Intervals

**INDEX INTERVALS**	      **START DATE** 	**END DATE**
- (231) Index Interval I		            April 1	                 June 30
- (232) Index Interval II			 July 1	            September 30
- (233) Index Interval III	          October 1	 December 31
- (234) Index Interval IV	          January 1	    March 31

- I

- II

- III

- IV

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Intervals’ - page 10

## Index Definitions

***Expected Grid Index:***** **Based on the historical mean accumulated NDVI values by Index Interval, expressed as a percentage; EGI = 100
***Trigger Grid Index:*** The selected coverage level multiplied by the Expected Grid Index
*i.e.* - Coverage Level = 85; then Trigger Grid Index = 85
- If the final grid index falls below the trigger grid index, the insured may be due an indemnity
***Final Grid Index:***** **Based on the current NDVI values for each Index Interval
- If current data represents a 40% reduction, then FGI = 60

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Index Terminology’ - page 9

Definitions in the applicable crop provisions

## Rates and Premiums

- Premium Rate is applied to each Unit
- All units independently rated
- Each Grid ID, Crop Type, Coverage Level, and Index Interval
- Minimizes adverse selection
- Premium/unit (Index Interval) =  $ amount of protection/acre
- 					           	*x* number of insured acres/unit
*	**	**	**	**	**           **	**x* premium rate
*	**	**	**	**	**           **	**x* adjustment factor of 0.01
*	**	**	**	**	**          **	**x *share

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Determining Premium and Subsidy’ - page 14

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (D) (4) and (H) (2)
Section 4 (A) (10)

## Rates and Premiums

***Premium subsidy per unit =*** 	        Premium per unit *x* subsidy rate
***Producer premium per unit =*** 	        Premium per unit – Premium subsidy per unit

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Determining Premium and Subsidy’ - page 14

RMA website coverage and rate table contains the applicable subsidy rates

## Rates and Premiums

***Total Policy Premium:***
- The sum of all “premium per unit” values for the policy
***Total Subsidy: ***
- The sum of all “premium subsidy per unit” values for the policy
***Total Producer Premium:***
- The sum of all “producer premium per unit” values for the policy

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Determining Premium and Subsidy’ - page 14

## Trigger and Indemnity

***Payment Calculation Factor:***
- Consistent with other GRP Programs
- (Trigger Grid Index **–** Final Grid Index)**/**Trigger Grid Index) **for each Unit**
- An indemnity may be made only if the Final Grid Index is less than the Trigger Grid Index
- If indemnity is due, it will be issued not later than 60 days following the determination of the Final Grid Index
- Indemnity =
- Payment Calculation Factor *x* Policy Protection/Unit

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Trigger Payment Calculations’ - page 14

Examples in applicable crop provision
PRF CISH:
Section 3 (G)

## Trigger and Indemnity Example

***EXAMPLE:***
**Trigger Grid Index (Coverage Level) = 85****	****	**
**Final Grid Index: Interval II = 90, Interval III = 60**
- Payment Calculation Factor =
- Index Interval II:   (85 **–** 90)**/**85 **=** No indemnity due (90 > TGI)
- Index Interval III:  (85 – 60)/85 = 0.294
**Total Indemnity** = **$2,646**
- Index Interval II =  **$0**
- Index Interval III **= ($9,000 *****x***** 0.294) = $2,646**
*{$18.00 x 500 (acres in III) x 1.0 (share)} x 0.294 = ****$2,646*****	**

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Trigger Payment Calculations’ - page 14

## Program Basics, Quick Review

- County – contiguous acreage can cross county/state lines
- Insurable and Insured acres
- Basic Units only
- Sales Closing Date:  November 30th
- Productivity Factor
- Dollar Amount of Protection per Acre:
- CBV *x* PF (60% - 150%) *x* CL (70% - 90%)

## Program Basics, Quick Review

- 4 available Index Intervals (can select one to all four)
- Policy Protection per Unit:
- $ Amount of Protection per Ac *x* Insured Acres *x* share
- Premium per Unit
- $ amount of protection/acre
*	**x* number of insured acres/unit
*	**	**x* premium rate
*	**	**x* adjustment factor of 0.01
*	**	**x *share
- Payment Calculation Factor:
- (Trigger Grid Index – Final Grid Index)/Trigger Grid Index)
- Indemnity:
- Payment Calculation Factor *x* Policy Protection per Unit

## Questions

## Grid ID Selection

***Grid ID: ***A specific code associated with each grid
- Number = typically 6 digits
***Point of Reference:*** A designated point, identifiable by longitude and latitude
- Selected by the insured
- Point that best represents the insured acreage
- This determines the Grid ID for insurance

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Selecting a Grid’ - page 11

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (6) (h)
Section 4 (B) (5), (C) (2), and (D) (7)

## Grid ID Selection

- Certify the points of reference are representative of the acreage assigned to each Grid ID and the amount of acreage in each Grid ID (s)
***Example:*** if the contiguous acreage is located in four grids the acreage can be separated into two, three, or four grids – or left all in one grid
- The same acres cannot be insured in more than one Grid ID or county
- Determine the point of reference and corresponding Grid ID by Sales Closing Date

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Selecting a Grid’ - page 11

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (C) (6) (h)
Section 4 (B) (5), (C) (2), and (D) (7)

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- Contiguous Acreage – One Grid
- The insured picks **one** point of reference on the property

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- Contiguous Acreage – Multiple Grids, Counties, and/or States (**Combined**)
- The insured picks **one** point of reference in the contiguous acreage (**could pick Grid 1 or Grid 2**)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- Contiguous Acreage – Multiple Grids, Counties, and/or States (**Separated**)
- The insured selects **one** point of reference in each Grid and assigns the number of acres

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- Determining the Grid ID(s) for Non-Contiguous Acreage (multiple properties)
- A point of reference must be selected for each separate, non-contiguous acreage
- The steps in determining the point of reference are similar to the steps outlined for contiguous acreage, simply repeated for each non-contiguous acreage to be insured

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- The insured has two separate acreage locations in two grids
- The insured picks a point of reference in Grid 1 and a point of reference in Grid 4 and insures the two properties under two separate Grid ID’s

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- The insured has two separate acreage locations in three grids
- First, the insured would pick a point of reference in Grid 4
- The insured then has the option of combining his acreage in Grid 1 and Grid 2, or insuring them separately by grid

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Examples of Determining Grid ID(s)

- If the non-contiguous acreage is located in the same grid
- The non-contiguous acreage will be combined and given a single Grid ID

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Review of Determining Grid ID(s)

| Type of Acreage | Grid Information | Guideline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Contiguous Acreage | Single Grid | Choose one point of reference  |
| Contiguous Acreage | Multiple Grids – Combined  | Choose one point of reference |
| Contiguous Acreage | Multiple Grids – Separated  | Choose one point of reference for each Grid |
| Non-Contiguous Acreage (multiple properties)  |  | Choose one point of reference for each, separate, non-contiguous acreage in the county    |

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Grid ID Selection Test

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Grid ID Selection Test

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Questions

## Use of the Website and Information Needed

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Determining Grid ID(s)

- Primary step:
- Accurately identify the Grid ID(s)
- Web address for determining Vegetation Index Grid ID(s):
- http://prfvi-rma-map.tamu.edu/

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

PRF CISH:
Detailed examples for this section is contained in Exhibit 1 and Appendix A and B

## Topographical Map

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Determining Grid ID(s) – Basic Steps

- Type in the city and/or county name where the property is located
- Select the city or county from the possible matches, a topo map for the area will be displayed
- Narrow the search by selecting an area near the actual location of the insured’s property
- Once the applicant has located the general area, it is recommended they continue to refine the search by switching to the photo maps
- Using the topo map, photo map, or combination of both, choose an appropriate resolution for proper identification of the property boundaries and corresponding Grid ID(s)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Photo Map

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Determining Grid ID(s) – Additional Steps

- The insured then selects **one** point of reference on the property by moving the cross marker (‘**+**’) to that location
- Grid ID is listed at the top of the screen (and on the map itself)
- A Print Icon is in the lower right hand corner of the screen
- This printed map can be used as a record to verify the Grid ID
- Once printed, the property boundary can also be outlined and initialed by the insured for verification purposes
- The insured must certify the point of reference

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix C: Determining Grid ID(s) and Use of the Website’ - page 28

## Rate Tables

- County Base Values – Assessable at RMA website

## Coverage, Rate, and Index Reports

- Rates - Accessible at RMA website

## Coverage, Rate, and Index Reports

- Final Index, Payment Calculation Factors

## Information Agents Need to Collect

- Insurable Acres
- Share
- Producer Selections (for each County/State combination):
- Crop Type
- Grid IDs
- Coverage Level
- Productivity Factor
- Index Intervals
- Insured Acres
- Amount of Insurance per Index Interval

## Information for the Worksheet

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Worksheet’ – page 23

## Worksheet Information

- General policy information

- Finish with name and grower initials

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Worksheet’ – page 23

## Worksheet Information

- Insert the Grid ID
- (determined from map and acreage location)

- Insurable acres in the grid

- Put the number of insured acres (not required to insure 100%)

- Calculate totals

- Insert share

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Worksheet’ – page 23

## Worksheet Information

- Insert the percentage of acreage selected for each Index Interval

- Calculate the number of insured acres per Index Interval   (Insured acres *x* percentage in #13)

- Total acres (should equal total insured acres for the Grid ID)

- Total in 14a should equal total insured acres

- Insert Index Interval code

- Insert unit number

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Worksheet’ – page 23

## Worksheet Information

- Policy Protection/Unit =
- ($ amt protection/ac *x* ac *x* share)

- Look at the coverage and rate table to determine rate

- Calculate the premium/unit =
- ($ amount of protection/acre
*x* number of insured acres/unit
*x* premium rate
*x* adjustment factor of 0.01
*x* share)

- Sum the premium/units

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Worksheet’ – page 23

## Worksheet Information

- Total Premium Subsidy = Sum of premium subsidy amount/unit

- Total Producer Premium Due =
- Sum of Producer premiums/unit

- Producer Premium/unit =  Premium/unit - subsidy amount

- Premium** **Subsidy/unit =  (Premium/unit *x* subsidy rate)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Worksheet’ – page 23

## Worksheet Information - Completed

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22

## Worksheet Information - Completed

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF RI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix B: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Worksheet’ – page 22

NOTE: Yellow highlights indicate additional information or changes to common acreage reports. (Grid ID - new field; Index Interval; Reported in practice code field; Productivity factor - reported in price election percentage field; Insurable Acreage – reported in existing field with new flag attached)

## Causes of Loss and Cancellations

- The reduction in the Final Grid Index must be due to natural occurrences
- A cause other than a natural occurrence will result in the assignment of a value to correspond to the reduction due to natural occurrences only
**	**

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Program Basics’ – page 9 and page 15

PRF CISH:
Section 3 (G) (2)

## How the Index is Reported

- The Final Grid Index will be available on the RMA website following the end date of each Index Interval

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘How the Final Grid Index is Reported’ – page 15

## Questions

## Joe Rancher Contacts His Agent

- A step-by-step example

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

All details of this section are covered in CISH Appendix B

## Determining Grid ID’s

-     Joe Rancher has 645 acres of insurable grazingland and hayland in two counties. His insurable acreage is contained in five non-contiguous properties: A, B, C, D, and E.

***Note: Actual Grid IDs will have 6 digits.***

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Decision

- Joe Rancher decides to insure the four properties (535 insurable acres) located in County B and leave property A uninsured in County A.
- Had he chosen to insure Property A in County A, he would have had to insure that acreage separately because Property A is non-contiguous from his other properties and located in a different county.

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Decision

- Property B – Contiguous acreage located in more than one grid
- Decides to separate the property into two Grid IDs, with 100 insured acreage in Grid 1 and 50 insured acreage in Grid 2.  He picks a reference point in each grid

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Decision

- Property C – Contiguous acreage spread into more than one county, which contains two crop types (both grazingland and hayland with 50% share)
- Decides to pick a point of reference in County B and use that point of reference to represent all the contiguous insurable grazingland acreage (100 acres) in both County A and County B  (decides not to insure haylands)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Decision

- Property D and E – Non-Contiguous acreage located in a single grid (both grazingland with 100% share)
- Joe Rancher combines Properties D and E and insures all 245 acres under Grid ID 4 **  **

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Summary

-        Joe Rancher selects for grazingland:
- 	Coverage Level = 85%
- 	Productivity Factor = 120%
- 	County Base Value = $17.65

- Dollar Amount of Production per Acre
- 	=  $17.65 *x* 0.85* x *1.20
- 	= $18.00 per Acre

- Insured Acreage, Grid ID, Coverage Level, Productivity Factor, $ of Protection/Ac

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Summary

- He can designate specific percentage of the insured acreage to more than one of the index intervals for each Grid ID.
- He finds that if he chooses an interval he must place at least 10% of his insured acreage to that interval for that Grid ID.

*Note: Interval selections do not have to be contiguous*

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Policy Protection per Unit (09 Units)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Premium

- Joe Rancher and his agent look up the applicable premium rate using the premium rate tables
- Premium/unit (Index interval) =
- 		$ amount of protection/acre
- 		*x* number of insured acres/unit
*	**	**x* premium rate
*	**	**x* adjustment factor of 0.01
*	**	**x *share

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Summary of Premium

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Premium Subsidy Amount 

- Joe Rancher and his agent refer to the GRP subsidy tables
- For the coverage level of 85%, the applicable subsidy percentage is 59%
- Premium Subsidy/Unit  =
- Premium/unit *x* subsidy percentage
- 	Example:  $216 *x* 0.59 = $127

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Premium Due from Producer

- The Premium due from Producer is the result of the Premium/unit minus the Subsidy/unit
- Premium per unit – Premium subsidy per unit
- 	Example: $216 - $127 = $89
- They sum the Subsidy and Producer Premiums  to determine the Totals

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Summary of Premium, Subsidy, and Producer Premium

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Worksheet with All Information

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Final Grid Index and Indemnities 

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

All details of this section are covered in CISH Appendix B

## Final and Trigger Grid Indexes 

- Trigger grid index is 85 for all grids and index intervals.

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Calculating Indemnities

***Payment calculation factor*** =
- 	 _(trigger grid index – final grid index)_
- 			trigger grid index
***Indemnity payment*** =
- 			payment calculation factor
*	**	**	**x* Policy protection per unit

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Example Calculations

**Grid 4 – 245 Acres**
**Index Interval I**: The final grid index of 120 is above the trigger grid index of 85.  No indemnity is due.
**Index Interval II**: The final grid index of 70 is below the trigger grid index of 85.
- 		**Payment calculation factor** = (85 – 70) / 85
- 				                  =  .176
- 		             **Indemnity payment** = .176 x $1,323.00
- 					    = **$233**
**Index Interval III**: The final grid index of 60 is below the trigger grid index of 85.
- 		**Payment calculation factor** = (85 – 60) / 85
- 					    =  .294
- 		             **Indemnity payment** = .294 x $882.00
- 					    = **$259**

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Summary of Yearly Policy in Example

- Joe Rancher insured 495 acres of grazingland in four separate Grid ID’s
- Joe Rancher paid  $430 in premium for $8,010 in protection
- A total indemnity of $687 will be due to Joe Rancher, for this County, for this crop year

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Appendix D: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Example’ – page 39

## Questions

## Additional Program Tools and Information

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Availability and Use of the PRF-VI Decision Tool’ – page 19

## PRF – Vegetation Index Decision Tool

- The calculator is not part of the program
- Not required to buy insurance
- Provides estimates
- Values are based on current information to derive historical estimates of indemnity, premium, and subsidy numbers
- May not match the official figures released by FCIC in past years
- Contact a qualified insurance agent for actual premium quotes

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Availability and Use of the PRF-VI Decision Tool’ – page 19

## Decision Tool: Example

- Base information provided

- Input information in all the yellow fields

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Availability and Use of the PRF-VI Decision Tool’ – page 19

## Decision Tool: Example

- Insert the number of acres for each index interval (minimum percentages specified in the Special Provisions)

- Results

- Once information is entered, click Submit Query
- (if any information is changed must resubmit query)

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Availability and Use of the PRF-VI Decision Tool’ – page 19

## Additional Information

- Historical Data
- Look up values since 1989
- Lookup Grid ID using Longitude/Latitude
- Must be submitted in the correct data format
- RMA premium calculator

**Notes:**
Details:
PRF VI – Trainer’s Manual: Section ‘Availability and Use of the PRF-VI Decision Tool’ – page 19

## Summary

- A new program for a commodity with little or no history of crop insurance
- GRP based program
- Losses determined by index (not individual production)
- Terminology differences
- Producer is allowed or required to make choices
- Can tailor the program to producer needs

## Questions