REGINA — Saskatchewan crop insurance participants can expect lower coverage this year as commodity prices drop.
The 2025 program announced this week includes lower prices for most crops and no new programs or changes.
In a news release, the provincial and federal governments said they will continue to work on improving coverage for the livestock sector.
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Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. is working with industry groups to direct programs and policies, they said.
“SCIC is evaluating new remote sensing technologies to measure soil moisture and plant growth, to evaluate potential improvements to forage and pasture insurance,” the release said.
“This focus will ensure forage insurance is relevant and accessible for Saskatchewan livestock producers.”
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president Jeff Yorga said livestock producers would appreciate better forage programs.
“We look forward to our ongoing involvement at the national level to ensure Saskatchewan producers have access to a variety of insurance options,” he said. “We are hopeful continued work throughout 2025 will bring it all together as another viable positive outcome for risk management programming.”
Chad Ross, chair of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, also said producers want improved programs.
“We are directly involved with the National Forage Working Group. Throughout the 2025 season, we will continue to consult on these projects, as producer feedback and understanding is critical in program design and acceptance,” he said.
Crop insurance paid out about $7 billion over the last four years while premium rates have remained fairly stable at around four per cent, according to the corporation.
Individual premiums will vary.
Base prices for coverage have dropped for most crops, except pulses and flax.
CWRS wheat is set at $7.74 per bushel, compared to $8.55 last year, while durum is down significantly to $8.01 per bu. from $10.86 last year.
Canola is also down from $15.08 to $13.50 per bu. Flax is at $15.25 per bu., up from $13.85, and peas are up from $9.58 to $10.37. Red lentils are at 31 cents per pound and large green lentils are 46 cents, both up just slightly.
All prices can be found on the SCIC website.
