.jpg)
Saskatchewan livestock producers who have been forced to cut herd sizes due to dry conditions will be eligible for rent relief on Crown grazing land this year.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced Tuesday it is extending the Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program for the 2025 grazing season.
Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said the program is intended to support ranchers who continue to face limited forage after consecutive years of dry weather.
“Producers continue to face challenges with grazing due to consecutive years of dry conditions,” Harrison said in a statement. “The province is committed to supporting our livestock producers through these challenges.”
To qualify, lessees must reduce the number of animals grazing by at least 20 per cent compared to the approved carrying capacity of the land. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
Agricultural organizations welcomed the move, calling it a needed response to ongoing drought stress.
“This program will help those who have had to reduce the number of animals on their leased pastures,” said Saskatchewan Cattle Association chair Chad Ross.
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president Bill Huber said the government has “acknowledged these challenges and made adjustments where it can,” while Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president Jeff Yorga praised the measure as “common sense solutions during a difficult growing season.”
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan also endorsed the program, with president Bill Prybylski urging lessees to make use of the relief.
The rental reduction was previously offered in 2023 and 2024. The province manages 220 pasture associations and grazing co-operatives across Saskatchewan, serving nearly 3,200 producers last year.
The ministry said the program complements existing supports to help producers manage the impacts of ongoing dry conditions.