Applications are now being accepted for a new livestock price insurance product designed to help cattle and hog producers manage unexpected price declines.

The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP), announced by federal and western provincial ministers on January 24, 2014, enables livestock producers to purchase price protection on cattle and hogs in the form of an insurance policy. This new insurance product offers protection against an unexpected drop in prices over a defined period of time, and is available to producers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Administration costs are covered by the federal and provincial governments through Growing Forward 2 while premiums are fully funded by producers.

Quotes:

Gerry Ritz, Federal Agriculture Minister -

"This spring, western cattle and hog producers are encouraged to make livestock price insurance an integral part of their business plans. Our government will continue to work with the provinces and industry to develop new and innovative risk management tools for Canada's world-class agriculture industry."

Pat Pimm, B.C. Agriculture Minister -

"Livestock price insurance is one more way the B.C. government has worked with our federal and provincial partners to help ranching families and the livestock sector in our province succeed. This insurance means cattle and hog producers can be prepared for price fluctuations and is something all ranchers should give serious thought to including in their business plans."

Verlyn Olson, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister -

Alberta's Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, along with Alberta producers, spearheaded this program. Expanding livestock price insurance across western Canada will benefit the livestock industry, and help producers manage price risk with flexibility and ease."

Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister -

"I would encourage cattle and hog producers to look closely at this program and see whether it can be a part of their risk management strategy. Producers can visit their local Saskatchewan Crop Insurance office to learn more and get started."

Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister -

"WLPIP is an important new risk management tool for Manitoba's livestock producers. Now that applications are being accepted, I encourage beef and hog producers to learn more about the program and how it can provide price protection on their farm."

Quick Facts:

• Western Cattle Price Insurance will help reduce producers' exposure to price and basis risk. Producers have the option of insuring their calves, feeders, or fed cattle as well as selecting only basis protection for fed cattle.
• Western Hog Price Insurance is designed to offer coverage based on current western Canadian market conditions.
• Alberta's Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) will be the central administrative body for the program to maximize administrative efficiencies. 
• Producers can contact their provincial AgriInsurance agency for information on how to enrol.

Learn More:

Program website: Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (http://www.wlpip.ca/)

Growing Forward 2: AgriRisk Initiatives (http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/?id=1369851891708)

British Columbia: BC WLPIP Office Locations (http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/rm/Documents/WLPIP/BRMB%20Office%20contact%20info_WLPIP.pdf) - Toll free: 1 844 782-5747

Alberta: AFSC Office Locations (http://www.afsc.ca/Default.aspx?cid=6-68) - Toll free: 1 877 899-2372

Saskatchewan: SCIC Office Locations (http://www.saskcropinsurance.com/contact) - Toll free: 1 888 935-0000

Manitoba: MASC Office Locations (http://www.masc.mb.ca/insurance_contacts) - Toll free: 1 844 782-5747

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613 773-7972
1 866 345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Rae Groeneveld
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville, Saskatchewan
306 728-7595

Cathy Housdorff
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Lacombe, Alberta
780 593-7590

Robert Boelens
Government Communications
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-1674

Craig Thomson
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
204 239-3068