Damage to standing grain

Last updated on July 9, 2026

Close-up of a dense field of golden wheat with mature grain heads clustered tightly together, softly lit with warm tones, and large white text reading “Damage to Standing Grain” overlaid across the center.


With the Agriculture Wildlife Program, agriculture producers can receive compensation for wildlife‑caused damage to unharvested grain, fine seed, oilseed, and pulse crops intended for seed production.

 

Application deadline

  • Register by June 15 each crop year

 

Eligible crops and designated wildlife

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Eligible crops

 All commercially grown grains, fine seed, oilseed and pulse crops covered by Production Insurance are eligible for compensation. 

  • Barley
  • Canola
  • Fall Rye
  • Field Peas
  • Oats
  • Wheat
 

Designated wildlife

  • Bear
  • Bison
  • Cranes
  • Deer
  • Elk
  • Moose
  • Mountain Sheep
  • Waterfowl

Compensation overview

With AWP, verified losses* caused by eligible wildlife during the growing season can receive up to 80% compensation. Budgetary constraints may result in compensation levels or methodology being adjusted.

  • Must be a minimum 10% visual plant loss for an adjustment to be considered.
  • Must be a minimum of $1000 damage to be eligible for a claim.
  • Grain is valued using Production Insurance rates.

*Losses due to insurable perils covered under the Production Insurance program are separated from losses due to wildlife. Compensation under AWP will be reduced by the amount that should have been covered under Production Insurance. 

Learn more about Production Insurance and our suite of Agriculture Risk Management Programs.
 

Eligibility

Crops must be:
  • Grown on land suitable for crop production and insurable by Production Insurance
  • Damaged by designated wildlife - not held in captivity
  • Unharvested and intended for seed production
  • Grown on land that can be mechanically harvested
  • Demonstrate a reasonable expectation of harvesting the crop selected for planting
  • Planted - cannot be volunteer crops

Crops cannot be:
  • On grazing land or on native pasture
  • Used for lure or intercept feeding
  • Straw or other other by-products
  • Intended for forage, pasture, or other non-seed purposes
  • Seeded too late to expect a normal yield
  • Harvested - losses must be measurable  
  • Mowed, swathed, sheaved/stooked, baled, collected from the field, or placed in storage

Additionally:
  • Livestock cannot be left in the field after winter dormancy
  • Livestock cannot enter fields prior to adjustment
  • Livestock must be withdrawn from the field during the growing cycle

Damage reporting requirements

To maintain eligibility, producers must:

Register with AWP
  • Producers must register for AWP by June 15 of each crop year.
  • Applicants must fill and submit a Seeded Crop Report.

Mandatory Reporting                                   
  • File a Notice of Loss as soon as wildlife damage is detected, and before harvest.
    • clearly specify the type of wildlife damage detected
  • Notify AWP at least seven (7) days before harvest.
    • must provide detailed field information for all areas where wildlife damage is reported
  • Provide a Declaration of Production (DOP)
  • Wildlife damage must be reported to AWP - even if you have Production Insurance!

On‑site Requirements
  • Show adjusters where wildlife damage has occurred.
  • Livestock must not be present during assessment.

 

Notice of Loss

A Notice of Loss notifies AWP of a suspected loss to standing grain. File your notice of loss as soon as damage to standing grain is suspected.

How to file a claim

 

Explore Agriculture Risk Management Programs

Production Insurance

Protect your crops against unpredictable weather events like hail, frost, and flooding  to ensure financial security during growing seasons.

AgriStability

Low-cost, flexible program that provides financial support when your income drops below a certain threshold.

Livestock Price Insurance

Safeguard your income from unexpected drops in livestock prices, offering peach of mind during market volatility.

AgriInvest

A savings account that helps you manage small income declines and invest in projects to strengthen your farm's financial resilience.

SCAP | Province of British Columbia | Government of Canada

Contact information

Contact your local office for advice and information about crop loss and damage due to wildlife.