There’s been a lot of talk lately about lending, capital, and what the next few years might look like in agriculture. From where we sit, working day-to-day with Saskatchewan landowners, one thing stands out:

Most farms aren’t panicking. They’re planning.

Land is still one of the strongest assets a farm holds. What’s changing is how landowners are choosing to use it to strengthen their position, reduce pressure, and keep options open for the years ahead.

Here are five strategic land decisions we’re seeing more often right now.

1. Selling a Select Parcel to Strengthen the Whole Farm

One of the most common moves we’re seeing is landowners selling one piece, not the whole farm.

In a recent situation, a farm family chose to sell a single section for with a very clear goal: eliminate remaining mortgage debt.

• They didn’t change how they farm.

• They didn’t walk away from anything.

• They took pressure off the balance sheet.

For some families, that peace of mind is worth more than holding every acre. 

2. Using Leasebacks to Free Up Capital Without Losing Acres

We’re also seeing more interest in leasebacks.

That’s where a landowner sells a parcel but continues to farm it under a long-term lease. The land stays in production, and the operation stays intact.

This approach can help:

• free up capital

• smooth out cash flow

• support succession planning

• or position a farm for future opportunities

For well-run farms, it can be a clean, practical way to strengthen the operation without shrinking it.

3. Quietly Feeling Out the Market

Not every landowner wants a public listing or a “for sale” sign on the fence. We’re seeing more families choose confidential, targeted conversations, and exploring value and buyer interest.

This approach allows landowners to:

• understand real market demand

• gauge timing

• evaluate offers thoughtfully

4. Getting Clear on Land Value Before Making a Move

We’re seeing more landowners take time to get a clear picture of what their land is worth before they make any big decisions.

That might be ahead of:

• a future sale

• a loan renewal

• a succession plan

• or a restructuring of the operation

In most cases, it’s not about acting in haste, its about knowing where you stand so that when the time comes, you’re making a decision on your terms.

Understanding land value early gives you leverage. It lets you think about timing, structure, and options, instead of being forced into a decision later.

5. Simplifying and Consolidating

In some cases, strategy means letting go of non-core parcels.

We’re seeing farms choose to:

• sell land that’s distant or inefficient

• consolidate around stronger blocks

• reduce complexity

• focus on operational efficiency

It’s not about shrinking for the sake of it. It’s about farming smarter and keeping things manageable. It’s refinement. 

Planning Beats Reacting

What we see over and over is this: the farms that feel the least pressure are the ones that start these conversations early. Most of those conversations start simply: “What does our land allow us to do right now?”

If you’re asking similar questions, whether about selling a parcel, exploring a leaseback, or just understanding where you stand, we’re always happy to talk it through. No pressure. Just a straightforward conversation about your land.

Murdoch Farm Team. Farmer-first farmland sales. From our family to yours.

Saskatchewan farmland has seen an incredible run over the past decade. Values climbed year after year, driven by strong grain prices, expansion-minded operators and investor interest from across the Prairies.

But with headlines asking whether a “market correction” is on the horizon, many landowners are asking us what’s really happening out there?

A Market That’s Levelling, Not Falling

Across Saskatchewan, land values are steady. Regions are holding firm, others are seeing modest softening, and a few high-priced pockets have cooled slightly. 

A recent analysis from Klarenbach Land and Livestock reviewed a full century of Saskatchewan farmland values. It pointed out that farmland markets rarely “crash” like residential real estate does. Instead, they move through long cycles, shaped by grain prices, interest rates, and farm profitability.

We’re seeing exactly that: a market finding its footing after an exceptional climb.

Rates Are Down and Buyers Are Paying Attention

After two years of rising borrowing costs, the Bank of Canada has finally started to lower interest rates again, bringing its key rate down to 2.25% this fall.

That shift has sparked new interest from buyers who had been sitting on the sidelines. We’re seeing more inquiries from expansion-minded farmers and investor groups looking to move before values shift further. 

In short: confidence is creeping back in, and that creates opportunity.

We’ve Seen This Before

At Murdoch Farm Team, we’ve watched Saskatchewan’s farmland market move through many cycles. The sellers who do best are the ones who recognize when the market is balanced, and buyers are active and well-financed.

That’s where we are today.

What This Means for Landowners

This doesn’t mean the market has turned. Far from it. Prices remain near record highs across much of the province, but with the market stabilizing and interest rates easing, this may be one of the most strategic windows we’ve seen in years for landowners considering a sale.

If you’ve been thinking about selling, this is a smart time to check in on your options.

Farmland values are still strong. Interest rates are easing. Buyers are paying attention again.

Know Where You Stand

Whether you’re planning to retire, settle an estate, or simply explore your options, this is a valuable time to understand your land’s current worth.

We’ll give you a clear, data-backed evaluation and a strategy to reach the right buyers, from local operators to large investment groups.

📞 Reach out today for a confidential farmland evaluation.
No pressure, no obligation. Just honest insight into what your land could sell for right now.

The 2024 FCC Farmland Values Report came out mid-March —and Saskatchewan is leading the country once again.

While national farmland values rose by 11.5%, Saskatchewan’s average cultivated land values jumped by 13.1%, making it the highest provincial increase in Canada.

So what’s driving the growth? And what should landowners, buyers, and sellers keep in mind?

Let’s break it down.

1. Northern and Central Regions Are Driving the Increase

Some of the biggest jumps in land values came from areas with good growing conditions and strong demand:

• North Western region: +19.9%

• North Eastern region: +17.9%

• West Central region: +17.8%

• East Central region: +17.0%

These areas saw a mix of larger landowners expanding their base, good moisture conditions, and high-quality soil that performed well under dryland conditions.

2. Irrigated Land Stands Out

In the West Central region, irrigated land values jumped by 25.8%—one of the most dramatic increases anywhere in the province and country.

That’s due to the scarcity of irrigated acres, ongoing dry conditions, and growing interest from both producers and investors. The announcement of the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project also helped spark additional confidence in the region.

3. South Western Still Saw Modest Gains

Even in drier areas like the South West, values still rose—up 4.1%—thanks to ongoing demand for premium quality soils, despite less-than-ideal growing conditions in 2023.

4. Pastureland Holds Steady

Pastureland saw a provincial average increase of 8.9%, with the South West leading the way at +15.9%. The value range remained tight, meaning the land holds its value consistently regardless of where you are.

Read the full report here: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge/economics/farmland-values-report

So What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a landowner, this report confirms that your farmland is holding strong—or gaining ground. Whether you’re thinking about selling, refinancing, or just curious about land performance, this year’s numbers are promising.

If you’re a buyer, there are still good opportunities to invest, especially in regions with stable prices and long-term potential. Irrigation-ready or high-quality dryland acres continue to be in demand. Land continues to be a strong investment.

Want to Know What Your Land Is Worth?

This report offers averages, but every farm and field is different.

If you're wondering what your land might be worth in today’s market, or thinking about expanding or selling, give us a call. We’d be happy to walk you through what we’re seeing on the ground.

📞 Call Dale at 306-774-6100

Your Prairie Professionals in Farm and Ranch Real Estate in Saskatchewan.