2016 marked the highest uptake of Crop Insurance in the Province with over 29 million acres being insured.

Excess moisture and harvest challenges last year resulted in Crop Insurance payouts for 2016 expected to hit $650 million, with 1.3 million acres still left out unharvested.

Provincial Ag Minister Lyle Stewart says due to fiscal constraint there were no major changes to the program, however, they did make some minor enhancements.

"Increased flexibility of the Crop Averaging Program (CAP), producers can now select and pay a premium at 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% level in return for higher coverage.

There is an increase in the establishment benefit values for large green lentils to $60/acre. The establishment benefit for other lentils is up to $40/acre, and the establishment benefit for soybeans will increase to $100/acre," he said.

The Ag Minister also notes for the 2017 program year there will be an increase in premium and coverage levels.

"For 2017, Saskatchewan farmers will have access to the highest coverage in the program's history. Average coverage is up to $217/acre from $216/acre in 2016. Premiums are also increasing to an average of $8.51/acre compared ot $7.84/acre last year," he said.

Stewart notes the $650 million dollar payout in 2016 is not a record, the highest payout was during the drought of 2002 when Crop Insurance paid out $1.2 billion

He reminds producers that there will be no ad-hoc programs this year noting that producers will want to make sure they are prepared and covered for the upcoming growing season.