Weather-Based Forage Insurance Plan
Weather has always been a significant source of risk for forage growers. The Crop Insurance Plan for Weather can help offset the risk of yield and quality losses to forage crops by providing coverage against insufficient or excessive rainfall, measured at a local weather station. Claim payments are made based on weather observations rather than with yield measurements. The below information is intended to be a quick reference only. For the full plan Regulations click here.
Weather Stations
There are several approved weather stations across the province. The station selected for your contract will be used to determine coverage and claims. Your Field Services Agent can provide information about the station nearest your farm.
Rainfall Guarantee
A weather station is designated as close as possible to your farm, and a 30-year normal rainfall is calculated for that station. Three coverage options are available: Two months (May and June), Three months (May, June, and July), or Four months (May to August). All acres of fodder and pasture are eligible to be covered, but a producer can elect to insure only a portion of the total acreage. A producer can insure their acreage for any amount up to a maximum of $288 per acre. If the total rainfall for the season falls below 80% of the 30-year normal, then a claim is triggered.
Optional Hay Quality Rider
The Optional Hay Quality Rider provides additional coverage for excessive rain events during the month of June. Any calendar days in June where at least 5mm of rain is recorded at the weather station are designated as "Rain Days." A quality loss benefit of 20% of the insured value of the fodder (hay/haylage) crop is triggered when three consecutive "Rain Days" occur. A maximum of two quality rider claims can be made in a crop year.
Unit Prices
The weather plan’s current established dollar value per acre and coverage period options are available on the About section of this website.
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