With large parts of Saskatchewan still struggling through years of drought, the province has announced temporary but significant changes to the AgriStability program to support farmers facing income loss from poor yields, rising costs, and ongoing market instability.
The federal-provincial program, delivered through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), offers income protection for producers when their profit margins drop significantly due to uncontrollable conditions.
Key AgriStability Enhancements for 2025
The latest changes announced on Monday are designed to offer immediate relief for producers, particularly livestock and mixed-operation farmers.
| Feature | 2024 Program | 2025 Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation Rate | 80% | 90% |
| Maximum Payment Cap per Operation | $3 million | $6 million |
| Enrolment Deadline | June 30 | Extended to July 31 |
These updates mean that if producers qualify for a payout in 2025, they’ll now receive 90 cents for every dollar of eligible income decline, up from the previous 80 cents.
What Producers Need to Know
- Custom Coverage: AgriStability protection is tailored to each farm’s historical reference margin, so understanding your individual operation’s financial history is key to knowing if you qualify.
- Enrolment Open Until July 31: The SCIC has extended the 2025 enrollment deadline to give farmers time to evaluate their eligibility.
- High Support Ceiling: With the payment cap doubling, larger operations have more potential to recoup significant losses — a key demand from producers in recent years.
Reactions from the Ag Sector
Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), welcomed the announcement but pointed out lingering gaps:
“There are some inadequacies within the program, but seeing these changes will be welcome… there’s more and more issues that farmers are having to deal with,” he said, referencing tariffs, drought, and geopolitical instability.
SARM President Bill Huber echoed the sentiment, crediting long-standing advocacy by rural municipalities and producer groups:
“We are pleased to hear there will be changes made to the AgriStability Program for 2025.”
Permanent Changes Coming in 2026
While the 2025 enhancements are one-time, further reforms are on the horizon:
- Feed Valuation Overhaul: Livestock producers will benefit from revised pricing methods for feed inventory, including feed consumed on-farm.
- Rental Grazing Land Eligibility: Farmers forced to rent pasture for grazing during droughts may soon be able to claim these expenses under AgriStability — a change long demanded by ranchers.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said these updates are the result of collaborative efforts across jurisdictions:
“Now is the time for unity… to make sure our programs work for producers across the country.”
What’s Next?
Though many farm organizations have endorsed the interim changes, some producers still feel the system needs a larger overhaul. As weather extremes become more common and markets remain volatile, Saskatchewan’s farm groups are expected to continue lobbying for deeper reforms, especially around crop insurance and long-term drought resilience.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the new AgriStability rate?
Any 2025 enrollee with a significant margin decline that triggers support.
Do I have to reapply for 2025?
Yes, producers need to enroll by July 31, 2025 to be eligible.
Will these changes be permanent?
No — the 90% compensation rate and higher cap apply to 2025 only. Longer-term changes are planned for 2026
