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By Alice McFarlane

Satellite Forage Insurance

Saskatchewan implements new forage insurance program

Jan 21, 2026 | 10:50 AM

Satellite technology will be used to measure soil moisture rather than rainfall to assess forage claims.

The Saskatchewan Government announced Satellite Forage Insurance is replacing the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program. FRIP is no longer available, and all existing FRIP customers will be automatically enrolled in Satellite Forage Insurance.

Satellite Forage Insurance provides coverage when there is a shortage of soil moisture.

Claims and premiums are now localized at the township level where the insured hay or pasture is located. High, medium and low coverage levels are available, varying by soil zone. There are two monthly weighting options available for producers to tailor their coverage.

Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said he appreciates the government’s risk mitigation programs.

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“While SCIC has made improvements to FRIP throughout the years, the reliance on weather stations was challenging for producers to ensure they selected the right one,” Ross said. “Moving to a program that uses satellite provides a more localized focus for producers and may result in a more accurate and responsive program.”

Ross said drought is a reality in Saskatchewan.

“We’ve asked for programs that work for us and we appreciate the ministry listening to us to bring programs that help us be more accurate so that we can add programs into our risk management portfolios on our ranches just to help us be more profitable and more sustainable,” Ross said.

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Bill Huber said Saskatchewan’s producers face tremendous variability when it comes to weather and growing conditions.

“The introduction of Satellite Forage Insurance is another important step in providing tools that better reflect what is happening on the ground,” Huber said. “By expanding and modernizing forage coverage, we are strengthening risk management options that help producers remain resilient and sustainable in the face of change.”

Producer information packages will be available in mid to late February and will include coverage options and premiums. Producers with questions can contact their local SCIC office.

The announcement was made this morning at the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon, Sask.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com