AgriStability to cover pasture feed costs starting in 2026

By Kate Winquist

OTTAWA — Livestock producers who rely on rented pastureland will see expanded support under the AgriStability program beginning this year.

The federal government announced Feb. 25 that pasture-related feed costs will become an allowable expense under AgriStability starting with the 2026 program year.

Cow-calf pairs graze on prairie pasture. The federal government announced Feb. 25 that pasture-related feed costs will be added as an allowable expense under the AgriStability program beginning with the 2026 program year.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said the change is aimed at providing more equitable support for producers whose animals graze on land they do not own.

“Canadian livestock producers deserve risk management programs that reflect the realities of their operations,” MacDonald said in a statement. “Adding pasture-related feed costs as an allowable expense ensures fairer support for those who rely on rented pastureland.”

The change is expected to benefit cow-calf, sheep and goat producers in particular, many of whom depend on leased or rented pasture.

AgriStability is a business risk management program designed to protect producers against large declines in income caused by production losses, rising costs or market conditions.

Pasture-related feed costs refer to expenses livestock producers incur when grazing animals on land they do not own.

The amendment follows a commitment made by federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers at a meeting in July 2025.

The federal government said the update is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen risk management tools and help ensure the agricultural sector remains resilient amid rising costs.