The Government of Saskatchewan has announced a freeze on the 2024 Crown land grazing rates, maintaining them at 2022 levels.

This decision responds to the agricultural industry’s challenges from several years of persistent dry conditions. Producers facing the need to reduce stocking rates on leased Crown land due to drought will again be eligible for a rent reduction.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said that the Government of Saskatchewan, which has six million acres of Crown land under grazing leases, recognizes the significance of adopting policies to address the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. The decision to freeze grazing rates aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting producers and safeguarding the long-term health of Crown land amid changing environmental conditions.

“The beef cattle sector continues to experience challenges with tight margins and ongoing concerns related to multiple years of dry conditions,” Marit said. “Producers are valuable stewards of Saskatchewan’s grasslands. Maintaining rates at the existing level and offering a reduction in some scenarios will help producers plan for 2024.”

Crown grazing rates will remain unchanged for the upcoming year. This marks the second consecutive year that rates have been held steady at existing levels, providing stability for producers navigating the impacts of environmental factors.

The rate reduction initiative will be applicable when an individual lessee or pasture association must decrease the number of animals grazing Crown leases by 20 percent or more compared to the approved long-term carrying capacity.

The program is designed to assist those affected by drought-related challenges, ensuring that the reduction in stocking rates does not result in undue financial burdens for producers.