The Ministry of Agriculture announced on June 15 that it will offer current patrons of the Saskatchewan Pastures Program (SPP) the option of leasing the pastures as the program is wound down over the next three years.
This follows the March budget decision to end the Saskatchewan Pastures Program and consult on future management of the land. The program includes 50 pastures that, in 2015, supported approximately five per cent of the provincial beef cattle herd.
“After considering the input received through the public engagement process, we have determined that 15-year leases will be offered to interested patron entities,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart stated. “This approach will ensure continued grazing opportunities and environmental stewardship of the land.”
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association welcomed the Saskatchewan Government’s decision. “We’re happy we were consulted along with other stakeholders, and we think the decision strikes the right balance,” said SSGA president Shane Jahnke. “Our main recommendations, especially giving existing patrons the first opportunity to lease, were adopted by the government.”
The SSGA zone 3 and 12 members, who represent ranchers around Assiniboia and southern areas adopted a resolution at its March 24 regional meeting to lobby the government for opportunities to lease and purchase the Saskatchewan Provincial Pasture lands axed in the budget.
Stewart explained that 13 pastures located in the northwestern part of the province will transition from the SPP for the 2018 grazing season. For the grazing season in 2019, another 19 pastures will transition in the northeast and northwest, then the remaining 18 pastures in the northeast and south will transition by the 2020 grazing season.
