Forage Production Revenue Protection Insurance Debuts for Alfalfa Farmers
Alfalfa is starting to get the same respect as corn, soybeans and wheat when it comes to crop insurance!
A brand new, revolutionary risk management tool has been approved by the USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board. The Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance program will fill a long-standing gap in safety-net coverage for the alfalfa industry. The new coverage arrives just in time for the September 30 sales closing date across most participating states.
Overcoming Years of Industry Deficits
Historically, alfalfa growers have lacked the tools to insure against not only lost crops, but lost income. With those drawbacks, less than 10% of alfalfa acreage participates in the existing Actual Production History (APH) program. In comparison corn and soybean enrollment routinely exceeds 90%.
Here’s what you need to know about the crop and the new coverage available!
Major Economic Value: Alfalfa alone stands as the nation’s fourth most valuable field crop, yet it lacks the traditional safety net enjoyed by other primary row crops.
Crucial Banking Support: Lenders have frequently advised farmers to rotate away from alfalfa due to the absence of adequate revenue insurance. This tool can change that dynamic.
Thirteen Years in Development: The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) worked alongside AgriLogic Consulting for over a decade to construct this specialized insurance policy.
How the New Revenue Protection Works
Unlike past yield-only policies, this program protects producers against both yield reductions and market price fluctuations.
| Feature | Details |
| Market Indexing | Links forage prices to futures market prices of corn, soybean meal, and Class III milk. |
| Coverage Scope | Covers alfalfa broadly; select states cover red clover, timothy, orchardgrass, and birdsfoot trefoil. |
| Initial Launch States | CA, ID, IA, MI, MN, MT, NE, ND, PA, SD, WA, and WI. |
| Written Agreements | Farmers in participating states outside primary counties can request coverage via written agreement. |
Educational Webinar Scheduled for August 11
To help producers and crop insurance agents navigate the new policy details before the September 30 deadline, NAFA will host a free educational webinar:
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 11, at 1:00 p.m. CDT.
Key Topics: Program eligibility, premium estimates, coverage options, production record requirements, and indemnity calculations.
Presenters: Glenda Blindert (Blindert Insurance Agency / NAFA Board Member) and Brannick Sweetser (AgriLogic Consulting).
Registration: Advance registration is required for both the live event and the on-demand recording at
alfalfa.org.
As NAFA pushes to include alfalfa in broader federal economic relief packages, this new insurance program offers long-awaited financial stabilization for forage producers across the country.
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