REGINA — Pasture-related feed costs are now allowable expenses for AgriStability participants.
Federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald announced Feb. 25 the change would be implemented for the 2026 program year. Ministers had committed to this change at their meeting in July.
Livestock producers had asked for this to make the program more attractive to that sector.
WHY IT MATTERS: The costs related to feeding grazing animals on rented pasture were not allowable and producers argued they should be.
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The federal government said this would provide more equitable support for cow-calf, sheep and goat producers.
MacDonald said the government is committed to effective, responsive programs for all producers.
The Canadian Cattle Association said this would make the program more responsive.
“CCA will work closely with government to understand implementation details while continuing to advocate for additional program enhancements that bring program allowable expenses closer to what producer experience on the ground, especially in drought situations,” said president Tyler Fulton.
Business risk management programs are under review as the federal and provincial governments work on the next five-year agreement.
Fulton said CCA wants the $3 million payment cap permanently increased. It’s been in place since the policy frameworks first began in 2003.
