Saskatchewan producers struggling with drought and trade uncertainty will see a significant one-time enhancement to their AgriStability coverage for the 2025 program year. Following last week’s annual federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting, both levels of government have agreed to temporarily increase compensation and adjust key components of the risk management program in response to producers’ ongoing challenges.
What’s Changing for 2025?
The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has announced the following updates:
| AgriStability Change | Previous | 2025 Program Year |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation rate for eligible margin decline | 80% | 90% |
| Maximum payment cap | $3 million | $6 million |
| Enrolment deadline | June 30 | Extended to July 31, 2025 |
These updates mean producers will receive 90 cents for every $1 of margin decline, up from the traditional 80 cents, and will have more room to claim assistance with the doubled cap.
Adjustments for Livestock Producers
A long-requested change is also arriving for livestock producers:
AgriStability will revise feed inventory valuations, counting feed consumed on the farm instead of only feed sold. This better reflects the real cost and losses for ranchers during drought.
Additionally, the program is considering including expenses from grazing on rented pasture as eligible costs — a move welcomed by many in the livestock sector.
“The permanent changes in feed accounting and cost adjustments mean the unique hurdles they face are finally being acknowledged,” said Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan.
Why Now?
The changes come amid:
- Ongoing drought in southern Saskatchewan, including areas like the RM of Big Stick, which declared a local emergency in June.
- Rising input costs and unpredictable feed availability.
- Trade uncertainties impacting prices and market access.
“These changes are a good first step in providing support… at a time when they need it most,” said Bill Huber, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.
Is It Enough?
Not everyone agrees the changes go far enough.
Tyson Jacksteit, a mixed farmer running 7,000 acres in a drought-stricken region, says the AgriStability changes won’t benefit those already struggling long-term.
“AgStability is impossible to trigger when you’ve been in drought for nine years,” Jacksteit said.
“The changes today really do not help the areas that are still dry.”
He’s calling for a complete overhaul of Canada’s farm protection programs — especially crop insurance, which many say needs to better reflect drought realities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the 2025 changes are one-time only, further reforms are under review for 2026. This includes deeper adjustments to how income losses are measured and expanding cost eligibility — all part of an effort to modernize Canada’s farm safety net for a changing climate and market.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the new AgriStability updates?
Any enrolled producer in Saskatchewan who meets the program’s income-decline requirements.
What’s the new deadline to enroll for 2025?
July 31, 2025.
Will these changes be permanent?
No — these apply only to the 2025 program year, though further changes are under review for 2026.
