Making AgriStability more responsive for livestock producers
Changes are being made to AgriStability to make it more responsive for livestock producers. As part of these changes, feed inventory pricing for livestock producers will be adjusted starting in the 2026 program year. This permanent change ensures the correct feed valuation is captured for feed used on-farm.
Additional changes to allowable expenses are under discussion for the 2026 program year, including rented pasture to better reflect the cost of feeding livestock. With this change, if a producer rents pasture, AgriStability would consider the pasture rental cost an allowable expense.
These changes are key to making AgriStability more responsive for livestock producers, especially in dry conditions.
“During extended dry periods, livestock producers can face shrinking feed supplies and increased pressure on grazing land,” said Daniel Graham, manager AgriStability and Pricing with Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC). “That’s why these updates to AgriStability are designed to respond more quickly and effectively – providing support when producers need it most.”
Recent changes have made it easier to participate
A new option, the optional reference margin (ORM), was introduced in the 2025 program year. ORM allows participants to elect to have their historical average (reference margin) calculated based on the methodology they use to report farm income for income tax purposes, eliminating the need to report the farm’s historical accrual and inventory information.
Further, participants selecting the ORM are able to request a coverage notice, which provides an estimate of their support level for that program year. Participants can us the notice to gage if they might benefit from filing an application for that program year. This option is expected to be available for all participants for the 2026 program year.
What is AgriStability?
AgriStability provides comprehensive protection when events have a direct and significant impact to the farm’s margin. It triggers when a farm’s margin for the program year is less than 70 per cent of its historical average. Losses experienced beyond the 70 per cent threshold are covered at $0.80 for every dollar of decline, up to a maximum of $3 million or 70 per cent of the overall margin decline, whichever is less.
Why should I participate?
While AgriInsurance protects against a production loss from specified perils, AgriStability provides comprehensive protection when events have a direct and significant impact to the farm’s margin. It factors in any impact to the participant’s margin, whether from reduced income and inventory value or increased input costs.
What is the cost to participate in AgriStability?
AgriStability’s annual participation fees is low, totaling approximately 0.315 per cent of the participant’s average historical margin plus a $55 admin fee.
Consider making AgriStability part of your risk management plan. To learn more, please contact your preferred AFSC branch office, call the Client Care Centre at 1.877.899.2372, or chat with us through live chat on AFSC Connect and AFSC.ca
