The federal and Saskatchewan governments are rolling out a new forage insurance option aimed at improving accuracy and responsiveness for livestock producers in the province facing increasingly variable weather conditions.
On Tuesday, federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced that Satellite Forage Insurance will replace the long-standing Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP) for the 2026 production year. FRIP will no longer be available, and all existing participants will be automatically transitioned into the new program.
Satellite Forage Insurance uses satellite-based technology to measure soil moisture levels, a critical determinant of forage growth. Coverage and premiums will now be calculated at the township level where insured hay or pasture is located, rather than being tied to distant weather stations. Producers will be able to choose from high, medium, or low coverage levels depending on soil zone, along with two monthly weighting options that allow coverage to be tailored to individual operations.
Industry groups welcomed the changes, saying the program better reflects real conditions on the ground.
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) President Jeff Yorga said localized measurements are expected to significantly reduce basis risk and improve payment accuracy during production shortfalls.
Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Chad Ross added that under FRIP, the reliance on weather stations made it challenging for producers to ensure they selected the right one - a difficulty the satellite-based system is expected to resolve.
Producer information packages outlining coverage options and premiums will be released in mid to late February. Producers are encouraged to contact their local Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) office with questions.
