Fast Feed Help for Drought Hit Farmers

Jul 25, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Cereal Crops Converted to Livestock Feed

Hot on the heels of recent meetings among Agriculture Ministers and premiers (Read Provincial Ministers Discuss Farm Support, two new announcements have been made in Manitoba, one focusing on drought support for farmers and the other on boosting local food processing.

In response to dry conditions, Canada and Manitoba will help livestock producers through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) AgriInsurance program. Support measures include faster claim payments, deferred insurance premiums, and new grazing rules.

A 40% quality adjustment will reduce yield appraisals on drought-damaged cereal crops (such as wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, and corn) that are turned into livestock feed. This move aims to improve feed access and was last used in 2021.

Other support changes include:

Deferred premium deductions for forage claims filed before Oct. 1

Partial claim payments when possible

Grazing allowed after the first forage cut without impacting claims

Deferred loan payments and feed purchase financing guidance

“We recognize that some of Manitoba’s livestock producers are facing challenging conditions with the lack of precipitation in certain regions of the province,” said Kostyshyn. “With pastures drying up and minimal sources of feed for livestock, it is important to give producers the resources they need to maintain their herds. These measures will help to improve cash flow for Manitoba’s livestock producers and provide additional options to access feed.”

Alongside this, federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers of Agriculture met virtually on July 17 and agreed to improve AgriStability. The compensation rate will rise from 80% to 90%, and payment limits will double from $3 million to $6 million by 2025. Feed for rented pastures will be included in coverage by 2026.

Ministers also discussed easing interprovincial food trade, helping smaller food processors, and boosting regional slaughter capacity.

Internationally, efforts will focus on protecting trade access, supporting Canadian exports, and advancing key talks with countries like China.

These announcements aim to protect farmers from climate and trade challenges while supporting long-term growth and resilience. The next FPT Agriculture Ministers meeting is set for September 2025 in Winnipeg.

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

?? Join us daily for life on a working sheep farm, from flock management and breeding strategies to crops, chores, and the everyday rhythm of farm life.