Saskatchewan cattle producers are divided on the thorny issue of large land purchases by investor groups and pension funds.
A resolution was tabled at the Sask-atchewan Stock Growers Association semi-annual meeting in January after producers could not agree on whether to support it.
It called on the board to lobby the provincial government to review “farmland ownership policy regarding the capability of entities to circumvent the act.”
Some argued that the Farm Land Security Board wasn’t able to stop the purchase by the Canada Pension Plan investment board of 115,000 acres, even though it wanted to do so.
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Others said cattle producers should be careful what they ask for because many want fewer restrictions.
Bill Huber, who farms near Lipton, moved the tabling motion with mixed emotions, he said.
“I’m somewhat in favour but I’m also somewhat opposed.”
He said Saskatchewan was known for having cheap land for decades, which was reflected on poor balance sheets, particularly through the droughts of the 1960s and 1980s.
“Finally in the last few years, we’ve got land values up to prices that are still below other provinces or other states,” he told the meeting. “We don’t want to discourage any investment in this province. We have to be careful and watch where we’re going.”
At the same time, he said it’s tough for his sons and others who can’t afford to compete with investors with deeper pockets.
Murray McGillivray, who ranched for years at Radville, said many worked hard in the past to liberalize ownership laws.
“Obviously there is a loophole, but I am very nervous about the resolution as it is,” he said.
“I’m conscious of the concerns, but I’m not sure how to fix it.”
Others said the resolution was only asking for a review and a fix. Past-president Calvin Knoss suggested the association should establish a policy of what it wants before asking for a change.
Farm ownership laws were last changed in 2002 after the legislature’s standing committee on agriculture held hearings.
Agriculture minister Lyle Stewart has said those laws will be reviewed again.
karen.briere@producer.com
