How to Calculate Rainfall Index
The rainfall index is a measurement of rainfall in the United States since 1948. The index is used as a criteria to write insurance policies to farmers to help them (and their insurance companies) manage potential risk from an abnormal amount of rainfall. The index has been developed using data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This data collection is known as the Unified Rain Gauge Dataset. You can calculate your rainfall index factor by querying this data.
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Instructions
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Determine your grid number. The rain index data set is broken down by areas known as grids. To calculate your rain index you will need to know which grid your property is located in. You can find your grid number by using the AGForceUSA.com grid feature.
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Discover your historic rainfall index. The USDA provides an online portal through which you can enter your property's gird number and see your historical rainfall index. You will be required to enter the crop year, desired insurance plan, state, type of crop and your grid number. Using these inputs the site will inform you of your index.
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Utilize the AGForce decision support tool. This tool enables potential insurance buyers to analyze the various implications of purchasing rain index insurance, such as premium rate per acre.
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Tips & Warnings
The entire Unified Rain Gauge Dataset can be ordered through the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Earth Observing Laboratory website. This data may be useful for insurance professionals who need to study a wide array of rain index data sets without having to query each grid separately.
