StatsCan: Cattle prices drive farm cash receipts

Cattle prices were a key factor powering Canada’s farm economy in 2025, pushing total farm cash receipts to $101 billion despite declines in crop revenues and government support.

New figures from Statistics Canada show receipts rose from $98 billion in 2024, with gains in the livestock sector more than offsetting weaker crop performance.

Livestock receipts climbed to $45 billion last year: up from $40 billion in 2024 and just $30 billion in 2021. Crop receipts, meanwhile, fell to $51 billion, the lowest level in five years. The decline weighed most heavily on Saskatchewan, the only province to record an overall drop in farm cash receipts due to its heavier reliance on crops.

AgriStability rises

At the same time, AgriStability is seeing renewed uptake. Payments nearly doubled over two years, reaching $905 million in 2025.

The program is gaining traction among livestock producers, particularly following changes that allow pasture-related feed costs as eligible expenses.

Stronger margins in the cow-calf sector are also improving its potential value in future downturns.