Agristability Failed This Cattle Producer Crop Insurance to Rise for 2023

By Elmer Heinrichs

Manitoba’s crop insurance coverage is expected to increase for the upcoming crop year, federal agriculture and agri-food minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba agriculture minister Derek Johnson announced recently.

“Climate challenges, like last spring’s flooding, continue to threaten farmers’ livelihoods,” said Bibeau. “Enhancements to the AgriInsurance program for 2023 will bring increased value to Manitoba’s producers and ensure they have fair and flexible coverage to meet their needs.”

The ministers released details indicating 2023 dollar values are higher than 2022 dollar values for most crops insured in Manitoba. Total AgriInsurance coverage for 2023 is expected to reach $5.3 billion on 9.45 million acres.

This means the average coverage is estimated at $560 per acre, compared to $499 per acre in 2022. This increase in coverage reflects the expectation of continued strength in commodity prices into the 2023 crop year.

“The costs and risks related to farming in Manitoba continue to climb,” said Johnson. “We’re increasing our support for Manitoba farmers through the AgriInsurance program because we know that adequate coverage is now, more than ever, important in helping manage that risk.”

The insurance program is a risk management tool for Manitoba farmers to protect against production shortfalls and quality losses caused by natural perils.

By Harry Siemens

Orval Proctor, a cow-calf producer from Woodlands, MB, sent a note about the trouble with Agristabiltiy a business risk management program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The program is meant to help farmers manage income risk by providing financial assistance when their farm business experiences a large margin decline. The federal government pays 60 per cent of the program’s cost and the provincial government pays 40 per cent.

Proctor’s note was twofold. First, to show his concern about the lack of help it provided him and whether other cattle producers had the same problem.

“The provincial office sent four requests to me since last June demanding to know why I have not shown a sales amount for the feed produced in 2021,” said Proctor. “I gave them the same answer: Continued on Page 14...

In the case of extreme weather events that impact production such as drought or excess moisture, the program provides predictable coverage producers can depend on when planning for the upcoming growing season.

The program is administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). Manitoba has a high level of insurance participation, with over 92 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,600 farms enrolled in the program.