Federal government raises AgriStability cap to $6 million for 2025

Mar 25, 2025

The agriculture sector is currently facing multiple challenges, including the newly imposed tariffs by China, trade uncertainties with the United States, and risks like animal diseases. In response, the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development Canada, has announced new supports for the agricultural sector through the AgriStability program.

The purpose of AgriStability is to provide affordable, comprehensive protection for farms, helping producers manage challenges beyond their control. The proposed enhancements include raising the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and doubling the payment cap to $6 million for the 2025 program year.

To expedite financial support to producers, the Government of Canada has enabled provincial and territorial governments to proactively enter agreements for issuing interim payments at higher rates and initiating Targeted Advance Payments in case of tariffs or livestock disease outbreaks.

In regions adopting these measures, producers enrolled in AgriStability can apply for interim payments up to 75 per cent of their estimated final payment for the 2025 program year. Additionally, administrators can establish Targeted Advance Payments for sectors or regions significantly affected by market disruptions.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.