Western Canadian farmland is cheap when compared to Europe and the U.S., says the director of an investment fund with offices in Calgary and Toronto.
Tag Archives farmland value
Prairie farmland still a bargain
Cropland costs have risen dramatically, but it’s still deeply discounted according to an investor
Value of Canadian farmland ‘robust’ but cracks are appearing
Average prices across the country grew by nine per cent last year, although the rate of growth continues to drop year over year
The average value of Canada’s cultivated farmland grew by 9.3 per cent in 2024, less than its growth in 2023 but nevertheless a “robust” number, says the chief economist of Farm Credit Canada, which released its annual Farmland Values Report March 18.
Auditor examines Sask. farmland ownership procedures
REGINA — Saskatchewan’s auditor says the Farm Land Security Board requires more active regulation and enforcement to identify and deal with potential foreign buyers. The auditor, Tara Clemett, noted that about 40,000 farmland transactions occur every year in the province. “Since 2020, the board issued five orders to sell farmland inappropriately purchased by foreign entities, […] Read more
Farmland values continue upward trajectory
Prices rise in all provinces in first half of the year based on strong demand; affordability drives biggest increase in Sask.
REGINA — Farm Credit Canada’s mid-year review shows cultivated farmland values rose an average of 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2024. All provinces saw increases but at different rates. Saskatchewan topped the list at 7.4 per cent while Ontario was second from the bottom at 2.1 per cent. Alberta and Manitoba were […] Read more
‘Green grab’ warning issued
WINNIPEG — A sustainable food organization is concerned that “green” land grabs for carbon removals and biodiversity offsets are a threat to small farmers and food production around the globe. The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable (IPES) Food Systems released a report May 13 about the demand for global farmland and the consequences of […] Read more
Rent-own picture changes
In 2021, buying farmland on the Prairies probably made more sense than renting. Interest rates were still low and the cost of financing a land purchase was manageable. Two years later, an argument could be made that renting now makes more sense in many parts of Canada. Data from Farm Credit Canada suggests that on […] Read more
Farmland prices diverge at the border
WINNIPEG — For certain things in agriculture, such as laws, regulations and income support for farmers, the border between Canada and the United States does matter. But for other things, it doesn’t. Related stories: The type of soil and growing conditions on grain farms in southeastern Saskatchewan should be comparable to farms in northwestern North […] Read more
Farm debt has room to grow
At the end of 2017, Canadian farm debt topped $100 billion. At the time, it was a bigger number than the national debt of 135 countries, noted Country Guide columnist Gerald Pilger. As of 2022, the most recent year on Statistics Canada’s published record, it reached $138.9 billion. Interest rate increases since early 2022 also […] Read more
Global interest still strong in farmland purchase
WINNIPEG — With 154 million acres, Canada has a decent share of the world’s crop and pasture land. Canada also has stable governments, reliable laws and a favourable climate for growing crops and raising livestock. But Canada isn’t a destination of choice for global money managers who want to invest in agricultural land, says a […] Read more
Prairie farmland values continue to increase
Farmland is still getting more expensive, but not quite as quickly as in recent years, according to the latest farmland value report from Canada’s biggest agricultural lender. Farm Credit Canada put average national farmland value growth in 2023 at 11.5 percent, down from 12.8 percent in 2022. “We’re seeing a little bit of a pullback,” […] Read more
