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.