The Saskatchewan government is updating its AgriStability program to better account for the rising costs of feed and pasture, Agriculture Minister David Marit announced Monday, March 23.
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The changes, which take effect for the 2026 program year, allow producers to claim pasture rental and lease costs as allowable expenses. To qualify, the expenses must reflect reasonable feed volumes for grazed animals. Producers must also prove the land was used for livestock feed rather than crop or forage production.
Marit said the enhancements are a direct response to industry requests for more relevant risk management tools.
“These AgriStability program enhancements better recognize feed costs and pasture use, providing more meaningful and responsive support for our livestock producers,” Marit said in a news release.
The province is also adjusting how it prices feed inventory. Under the new rules, the program will account for feed grown and consumed on-farm rather than sold. The modified calculation will use year-end prices along with opening and ending quantities to ensure rising feed values don’t unfairly offset production losses.
Industry groups welcomed the changes, citing the need for better protection during droughts and periods of market volatility.
“The inclusion of pasture rental costs and the feed inventory adjustment are meaningful first steps that better reflect the realities faced by our livestock producers, particularly during dry years,” said Bill Huber, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.
Jeff Yorga, president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, echoed those sentiments, noting the changes will help producers manage “rising costs and market uncertainty.”
The program is administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). It is designed to protect farmers against large income declines caused by production loss, increased costs, or changing market conditions.
Producers have until April 30, 2026, to enroll in the program for the upcoming year.
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