AgriStability

AgriStability is a cost-effective risk management program that helps farmers handle income declines due to production losses, rising costs, or market fluctuations. It provides financial support when a farm’s current-year margin falls below a set threshold, based on historical financial data.

Key Features:

• Personalized Coverage: Uses your farm’s historical financials to establish a reference margin.
• Payment Cap: the current payment cap for the 2025 program year is $3 million with a $6 million cap being implemented for the 2025 program year
• Higher Compensation Rate: the current compensation rate for the 2025 program year is 80%, with a 90% of compensation rate taking effect for the 2025 program year.
• No Reference Margin Limit: Increases coverage eligibility for farms with lower allowable expenses.
• Private Insurance Exclusion: Private insurance payouts (e.g., hail or livestock price insurance) no longer impact benefits.

New AgriStability Enhancements for Livestock Producers – Beginning in 2026

Starting with the 2026 program year, AgriStability is introducing enhancements aimed at better supporting livestock producers and improving how production losses are reflected within the program.

Key updates include:

• Feed grown and fed on the farm will now be valued differently to better capture changes in feed production.
• Pasture rental costs will now qualify as an allowable expense under the program.

Together, these changes are intended to improve AgriStability’s responsiveness and provide more accurate support for livestock operations, particularly during challenging production years. For full program details and eligibility information, visit the SCIC website.

AgriStability Forms Available: AgriStability forms, including the Direct Deposit Form, are now available. Visit the SCIC website to access the latest forms and program information.

Enrollment and Deadlines:

• Sign Up: The deadline to enroll in the 2025 AgriStability Program was April 30th, 2026.
• Filing Deadline: June 30th of the following year.
• Fees: $3.15 per $1,000 of margin covered (approx. $0.69/acre for grain or $1.19/head for livestock).

Additional Support for Livestock Producers:

• Feed & Water Expenses: Additional feed and water hauling costs are covered.
• Custom Grazing: Expenses from custom grazing agreements qualify.
• Herd Management: Financial support is available when downsizing due to adverse conditions.

By participating in AgriStability, you protect your farm against significant income fluctuations, ensuring long-term financial security.

AgriInvest

AgriInvest helps farmers manage income fluctuations and invest in their farm’s future. It offers matching government contributions to support risk management and business investments.

Key Features

• Savings Account: Deposit a portion of your Allowable Net Sales (ANS) and receive a matching government contribution.
• Flexibility: Use funds for risk management or farm investments, such as equipment, technology, or infrastructure.
• Matching Contributions: 1% of ANS (up to $10,000/year).
• Easy Access: Withdraw funds at any time.

Eligibility & Deadlines

• Who Qualifies: Farmers who report farm income/loss and file tax returns on time.
• Deposit Deadline: Within 90 days of receiving your AgriInvest Deposit Notice.
• Tax Filing Deadlines:
  • Individuals: June 15 (or April 30 if you have non-farm income).
  • Corporations: 6 months after fiscal year-end.
• Sign Up: Contact Stark & Marsh to enroll before the deadline.

Program Benefits

• Risk Protection: Provides a financial cushion against unexpected market changes or weather events.
• Farm Investment: Funds can be reinvested to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Simplicity: Easy enrollment and minimal paperwork.

Eligible Uses for AgriInvest Funds

• Equipment purchases
• Farm storage or processing facilities
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Soil conservation practices
• Renewable energy projects
• Unexpected cost coverage (e.g., feed or fertilizer)

By participating in AgriInvest, Saskatchewan farmers can better prepare for financial risks and invest in their farm’s long-term success.

SOURCES
AgriInvest: www.agr.gc.ca/agriinvest
Government of Canada: www.agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriinvest