The federal government has announced changes to the AgriStability program that will expand support for livestock producers beginning in 2026.

In a February 25 news release, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada confirmed that pasture-related feed costs will now be considered an allowable expense under the AgriStability program.

The change was announced by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

AgriStability is a federal-provincial-territorial business risk management program designed to protect producers against significant declines in farm income caused by production losses, rising costs, or changing market conditions.

Under the new guidelines, livestock producers who graze animals on land they do not own will be able to include pasture-related feed costs as eligible expenses starting with the 2026 program year.

According to the federal government, the amendment aims to provide more equitable support for producers who rely on rented pastureland. The update is expected to benefit operations such as cow-calf, sheep, and goat farms, which often depend heavily on leased grazing land.

“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.”

Pasture-related feed costs refer to expenses incurred by producers for grazing livestock on land they do not own.

The change reflects a commitment made by federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers during their July 2025 meeting.

The federal government said the improvements are part of its broader effort to strengthen risk management tools and support the long-term resilience of Canada’s agricultural sector.