New pilot project uses satellite technology to streamline reporting and support Manitoba forage producers

February 12, 2026 - Brandon, Manitoba - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are launching a new pilot project to use satellite-based technology in the Forage Insurance program, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today. The initiative aims to reduce reporting requirements and improve production estimates for Manitoba's forage producers while maintaining program accuracy and integrity.

During the 2026 crop year, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) will use satellite technology alongside its traditional reporting structure to gather insight and feedback from participants. The results will help determine whether this technology can be adopted permanently within the Forage Insurance program.

Participation in the pilot will be offered to approximately 50 Forage Insurance participants at no additional cost. Working with organizations such as the Manitoba Beef Producers, MASC will select participants to ensure a representative sample across regions and production systems.

The Forage Insurance program is part of MASC's AgriInsurance suite, which provides predictable protection for producers against natural perils such as drought, excess moisture, and other extreme weather events. Producers participating in the pilot will receive further information directly from MASC.

AgriInsurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).