Recent announcements made from federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald (pictured, left) and Saskatchewan agriculture minister David Marit (pictured, right) are signalling a significant shift for the province's livestock and forage producers - and for the brokers who support them.
Alongside $4.5 million for 25 new livestock and forage‑related research projects and a renewed $3.9 million multi‑year partnership with Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), the federal and local governments confirmed on Jan. 21 that Satellite Forage Insurance will replace Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation's (SCIC) Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP).
From rain gauges to satellites
The two officials have announced that FRIP is no longer available and all existing FRIP customers will be automatically enrolled in Satellite Forage Insurance.
The new program provides coverage when there is a shortage of soil moisture, using satellite‑based technology to measure soil moisture rather than rainfall at a chosen weather station.
Claims and premiums are localized at the township level where the insured hay or pasture is located. High, medium and low coverage levels are available, varying by soil zone, and two monthly weighting options allow producers to tailor coverage to their growing windows.
MacDonald called the move “a great example of how governments are using new and more localized data in business risk management program decision-making,” while Marit said Satellite Forage Insurance “reflects our commitment to supporting Saskatchewan’s producers with insurance that is relevant, responsive and accurate."
The announcement provides producers with timely information to plan for their upcoming year. Producer information packages will be available in mid to late February and will include coverage options and premiums.
How satellite insurance and research reshape producers’ risk plans
Behind the insurance program shift sits the new research commitments under the Agriculture Development Fund, which is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Of the 25 livestock and forage projects, 17 at the University of Saskatchewan account for about $4.6 million in funding. Topics range from developing new types of hybrid bromegrass to exploring biomarkers for earlier, more reliable Johne's disease testing. Industry partners have added a further $1.3 million, with support from 13 organizations including Alberta Beef Producers and the Saskatchewan Cattle Association.
“Investment in research is critical for our industry,” Ross said. “We appreciate government investment in our research priorities, which focus on animal health, forage production and water quality this year.”
