AgriStability heavy weight cattle prices for 2024 and 2025 republished

This inconsistency in modeling meant that heavy weight cattle pricing for 2024 was based on a different weight assumption than the one used to establish historical prices. Consequently, inventory valuations did not accurately reflect market realities, leading to inappropriate AgriStability program benefits being issued to clients for the 2024 program year.

Changes in Alberta’s cattle industry have made it increasingly difficult to access cattle pricing data, which has impacted AFSC’s ability to provide timely prices for use in its programs. To address this issue, AFSC adopted a new model in 2024 to determine cattle prices for AgriStability.

Under the model, heavy weight cattle were valued inappropriately on ending inventory. As a result, the inventory is valued too low and does not match market realities. Upon discovering the inconsistency, AFSC recalculated the heavy weight cattle prices for 2024, leading to reassessment of files with heavy weight cattle. The recalculation determined that certain clients had received benefits to which they were not entitled.

AFSC has contacted impacted clients to discuss the reassessment of their files. We are committed to supporting these producers by offering flexible repayment arrangements, including interest relief where appropriate, to help manage any impact.

Additionally, AFSC has reviewed all market cattle prices, comparing prices under the new model with the historical pricing method, and found the pricing issue was isolated to animal weights over 900 pounds. Going forward, AFSC has added additional oversight to the cattle pricing process to monitor and review unusual price movements and ensure greater accuracy.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your preferred branch office, call our Client Care Centre at 1.877.899.2372, or use Live Chat on AFSC Connect or AFSC.ca.