Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Supports Positive Change to AgriStability

REGINA – The federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture met virtually March 25 then announced that the reference margin limit aspect of AgriStability will be removed retroactive to the 2020 program year. This will restore the program to being more fair to all producers, especially those that provide their own labour and grow their own inputs.

“Many of those impacted by the reference margin limit are cattle producers. We have been pushing for this change for years now and see this as a reason cattle producers should reconsider if they have left AgriStability.” said Arnold Balicki chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. “It is the only whole farm program designed to respond regardless of the reason for margins dropping. It is no small thing Minister Marit and his colleagues got this done when government budgets are as challenged as they are.” Balicki continued.

Balicki continued “Minister Marit and many other ministers have made the point that ad hoc programs are not on the table for risk covered by existing programs. I hope all producers have fully considered the programs to help manage all the risks they face and take this change as a reason to look again.”

The deadline to sign up for AgriStability has been extended to June 30. Producers that are new to the industry can sign up for the program. Those that have left the program can return. For further details on programs in Saskatchewan producers should talk to their Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation local contact or visit their website at www.scic.ca.

SCA will continue to engage on improving business risk management and other programs that affect producer competitiveness and resilience in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association represents Saskatchewan’s over 12,000 cattle producers of all types of production from across the province.