The Ministry of Agriculture today announced it is offering the Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program for the 2025 grazing season.
"Saskatchewan's livestock producers continue to face challenges with grazing due to consecutive years of dry conditions," Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. "The province is committed to supporting our livestock producers through these challenges."
Through this program, Crown grazing land lessees who have reduced the number of animals grazing on the land are eligible to apply for a rent reduction for the 2025 grazing season. The lessee must reduce the number of animals grazing by 20 per cent or more, compared to the approved carrying capacity of the land, due to ongoing dry conditions. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2025.
“The dry conditions in various parts of the province have made it challenging for producers,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said. “We appreciate that the government has recognized this and made adjustments where possible. This program will help those who have had to reduce the number of animals on their leased pastures.”
“Many areas of the province are facing dry conditions, which has created difficulties for producers,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Bill Huber said. “We are happy to see the government has acknowledged these challenges and made adjustments where it can. This program will provide support to those who have been forced to cut back the number of animals on their leased pastures.”
“The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for implementing common sense solutions during a difficult growing season,” SSGA President Jeff Yorga said. “SSGA looks forward to working with the Government to continue to find solutions for livestock producers.”
“Recognizing the ongoing dry conditions, the government's decision directly addresses some of the difficulties our livestock producers continue to endure," Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) President Bill Prybylski said. "APAS is encouraged by this proactive approach, and I urge affected lessees to utilize the relief being offered.”
The program was offered for both the 2023 and 2024 grazing seasons to support producers who have faced ongoing dry conditions. The ministry may also authorize lessees to sublease surplus grazing and sell hay.
In total, the ministry manages 220 pasture associations and grazing co-operatives on Crown land on locations across the province. Last year, almost 3,200 producer clients used these pastures to graze their livestock.
This relief for Crown grazing land lessees is in addition to the number of programs in place to both mitigate the impacts of dry conditions and manage the ongoing challenges for the livestock sector.
For detailed program information and eligibility requirements, visit saskatchewan.ca/crownlands.
