For livestock producers using Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance, grazing coverage tends to get the spotlight. But if you have land that could be hayed — even if you typically graze it — there may be an opportunity you’re overlooking.
At Redd Summit Advisors, utilizing haying acreage in a policy is a way to unlock stronger coverage and better risk protection. Because haying ground — particularly non-irrigated land — is more susceptible to rainfall deficits, it often carries a higher insured value. That increased value can mean higher indemnities when precipitation comes up short.
Haying acreage doesn’t have to be cut and baled every year to qualify. The key factor is whether the land could be hayed, explains McKay Erickson, an account manager at Redd Summit.
Erickson says nine times out of 10, going to hay is better, but not always. That kind of strategic decision-making is where Redd Summit’s proprietary software and expert team come in.
“With our software, we can pretty confidently say if this is a good choice for you or not,” Erickson says. “It's very clear data, very easy to see, easy to explain.”
One of the biggest obstacles Erickson sees when it comes to utilizing haying acreage in PRF policies isn’t the actual process — it’s the perception that it will be too complicated.
“Most of the time we just need an accurate map of what's being hayed versus what's grazing,” he says. “And if we get that, then it’s pretty easy.”
Still, Erickson acknowledges that some producers hesitate at first, thinking hay classification will involve excessive paperwork or red tape. But experience often changes their minds.
In fact, Erickson recalls a recent example where a few customers had initially classified all their land as grazing acres. When the Redd Summit team suggested switching some of that ground, which was under a haying practice, to hay acreage, the producers were hesitant. They assumed the process would be complicated and involve burdensome verification.
With a little guidance from the Redd Summit team, those producers simply provided updated maps — and the results spoke for themselves.
“By doing that, they’ve really increased the value of their insurance policy. And it’s paid out a lot better,” Erickson says.
For Erickson and the Redd Summit team, it’s never about pushing a product — it’s about helping producers make decisions that benefit their operations.
“I never feel guilty about anyone having this product,” he says. “You feel like you’re doing a service to the agriculture industry, which I love so much.”
Whether your land is currently being hayed or just has the potential to be, there’s value in considering how haying acreage fits into your PRF coverage.
“It’s designed to try to help producers as best it can,” Erickson says. “For the right operation, haying acreage is a smart strategy.”
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