Strong cattle prices lift farm cash receipts in first half of 2026

Canadian farm cash receipts totaled $51.8 billion during the first two quarters of 2026, up 4.2 per cent from the same period a year earlier, according to Statistics Canada (StatsCan)’s latest Farm Cash Receipts report.

The increase was driven by higher livestock and crop receipts, which rose by $1.9 billion and $1.1 billion respectively. Direct program payments declined by $828 million over the same period.

Across the provinces, Saskatchewan recorded the largest year-over-year increase in farm cash receipts at $744.5 million, followed by Alberta at $591.2 million.

Total livestock receipts reached $23.2 billion in the first half of 2026, up 8.7 per cent from the same period in 2025. StatsCan reported higher prices for all livestock commodities except hogs.

Cattle receipts increased by $1.1 billion and accounted for more than 60 per cent of the overall increase in livestock receipts. According to the report, cattle receipts have increased for six consecutive years.

While cattle marketings were down 3.8 per cent compared to the first half of 2025, cattle prices rose 17.7 per cent year-over-year. StatsCan attributed lower marketings in part to a decline in the number of cattle exported internationally.

Supply-managed commodities also posted gains. Receipts increased 5.5 per cent to $8.1 billion, representing roughly 35 per cent of total livestock receipts. Eggs for consumption and chickens for meat were the largest contributors to that increase.

On the crop side, total receipts increased 4.1 per cent to $27.1 billion.

Canola was the largest contributor to the increase, with receipts rising by $1.3 billion compared to the first half of 2025. StatsCan reported higher marketings, up 15.6 per cent, and higher prices, up 4.6 per cent. The report also noted canola crush increased 15.1 per cent year-over-year, while stronger demand from China and increased exports supported canola prices.

Barley receipts increased by $165.6 million in the first two quarters. Higher marketings contributed to the increase, with gains reported across the Prairie provinces. Alberta recorded a 54.3 per cent increase in barley receipts compared to the same period in 2025.

Receipts for dry peas and lentils also increased year-over-year. StatsCan reported higher marketings for both crops, alongside increased exports of dry peas and lentils.

Direct program payments moved lower in the first half of the year, falling 35.5 per cent to $1.5 billion nationally.

Alberta recorded the largest decline in direct payments, down $478.4 million for the first half of 2025. Saskatchewan and Manitoba also reported decreases.