Farmers in Manitoba — including those in Stonewall and the Rural Municipality of Rockwood — can now pay less for insurance if they choose to plant long‑term hay or grass on difficult sections of their land. The Forage Advantage pilot for the 2026 crop year offers a 15% discount on Forage Establishment Insurance (FEI) premiums for establishing perennial forage on marginal acres. The pilot is intended to help producers manage areas that are often too wet, saline, or stony to grow grain reliably.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba launched the program in November 2025 to encourage better soil health and more outcome‑based insurance. By shifting marginal land from annual crops into perennial forage, farmers can reduce the risk of repeated crop failure while also delivering environmental benefits. The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) will use soil mapping and historical data to classify marginal acres; when a producer selects Forage Establishment Insurance for those acres, the 15% discount is applied to their premium.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the initiative is designed to protect farmers’ finances while supporting long‑term soil health. The pilot is particularly relevant to the Interlake region around Stonewall, where thin, stony soils and variable moisture make traditional grain farming difficult. Local beef and dairy producers that rely on forage may find it cheaper to expand hay or pasture under the new rules.
Producers who want to use these discounts for the 2026 crop year must apply or make changes to their MASC coverage by March 31, 2026. Once the forage is in production the following year, producers can also qualify for discounts on Basic or Select Hay Insurance or Forage Seed Insurance through MASC.
