MASC pilot aims to reduce paperwork while improving production estimates for forage producers.
Manitoba forage producers could soon spend less time completing reports and more time managing their operations thanks to a new pilot project that will use satellite technology to support forage insurance administration.
The announcement was made in late July, but farmers are starting to look into this new approach. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) will test a new approach to forage insurance for the 2026 crop year. The initiative will evaluate whether satellite-based technology can provide accurate forage production estimates while reducing reporting requirements for producers.
"This pilot project explores how modern technology can reduce reporting requirements while keeping programs accurate and reliable for producers," said MacDonald. "By working with Manitoba and industry partners, we're helping ensure that risk management tools continue to meet the real needs of forage producers."
Using Satellites to Estimate Forage Production
Under the pilot, MASC will use advanced satellite technology to assess soil moisture levels and estimate forage production across participating farms. The information will be used alongside traditional reporting methods rather than replacing them outright.
The dual approach will allow MASC to compare satellite-generated estimates with producer-reported information and evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and practicality of the technology.
Officials say the goal is to determine whether satellite monitoring could eventually become a permanent component of Manitoba's Forage Insurance program.
For forage producers, the technology could reduce the amount of time spent collecting and submitting production information while maintaining confidence in insurance program integrity.
Addressing a Long-Standing Producer Concern
Reducing administrative burden has been a recurring request from producer groups involved in forage production.
According to the province, reporting requirements have been identified by industry organizations as a barrier to participation in forage insurance programs. By leveraging satellite data, MASC hopes to create a more streamlined process that remains accurate and equitable for producers across diverse farming regions.
"Producers work hard every day to keep their operations running, and they deserve programs that work just as hard for them," said Kostyshyn. "This pilot project is an important step toward reducing paperwork and improving accuracy, so forage producers can spend more time in the field and less time on reporting."
The initiative also aligns with broader agricultural trends that see data-driven technologies being used to improve decision-making, monitor crop conditions, and manage risk.
Pilot to Include Approximately 50 Producers
MASC plans to offer participation in the pilot project to approximately 50 forage insurance customers during the 2026 crop year at no additional cost.
Working with industry organizations, including Manitoba Beef Producers, MASC will select participants representing a range of geographic regions and production systems. The diverse participant group is expected to help ensure the technology is evaluated under various growing conditions and management practices.
Feedback collected from participants will play an important role in determining whether the technology can support future enhancements to forage insurance delivery.
Important Protection for Livestock Operations
Forage insurance is a key component of Manitoba's AgriInsurance suite, providing coverage against natural perils that can significantly impact forage production.
The program helps protect producers from losses caused by drought, excess moisture, and other extreme weather events that can reduce hay and forage yields. With weather variability continuing to challenge livestock operations across the Prairies, many producers rely on forage insurance as an important risk management tool.
If successful, the satellite-based pilot could offer a way to modernize program administration while maintaining the dependable protection producers rely on during difficult growing seasons.
Manitoba's pilot may provide valuable insights into how emerging technologies can improve both farm management and agricultural support programs across Canada.