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By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan Crown Pastureland

Crown land grazing rates frozen in Saskatchewan

Jan 27, 2023 | 9:44 AM

MELFORT, Sask. – Farmers and ranchers who lease roughly six million acres of Crown land under grazing leases will pay the same rate as last year.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said producers leasing Crown grazing land will be eligible for rent reductions if they are forced to move cattle due to dry conditions during the grazing season.

“If some of the pasture patrons and leaseholders, whether it’s on Crown land, private lease or community pasture, if they pull some animals off, then we will cut the lease rate by that number, up to a maximum of 50 per cent,” Marit said.

Saskatchewan’s livestock sector is facing increasing costs of production in addition to successive years of low precipitation in many areas of the province, according to Marit.

“Keeping this year’s grazing rate at 2022 levels and implementing reductions for Crown grazing lands hardest hit by drought, will assist producers through the current challenges while supporting the continued stewardship and productivity of the land,” he said.

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Saskatchewan’s Crown grazing rates are established annually using a formula based on fall cattle prices and the long-term stocking rate of each parcel of land. This year’s rate freeze will apply to all grazing leases across the province.

The 2023 rate reduction will match the reduction in carrying capacity, ranging from a 20 per cent rate reduction up to a maximum of 50 per cent.

Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Arnold Balicki said it is something many ranchers have been calling for.

“We appreciate the responsiveness of this government, and the pragmatic approach taken with today’s announcement shows a real interest in supporting our livestock industry in the face of ongoing challenges,” Balicki said.

The announcement was made at the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon this morning.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW