Manitoba livestock producers could see more stability and lower operating costs under a series of proposed regulatory changes aimed at strengthening the province’s Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) program.
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced the government intends to extend the freeze on ACL forage lease rental rates at $3.66 per animal unit month through the 2027 growing season. The move is designed to help producers manage rising costs and ongoing market uncertainty.
Kostyshyn said the extension comes at a time when international trade disputes, including tariffs imposed by the United States, are creating added pressure for Manitoba farmers.
Beyond the rate freeze, the province is proposing changes that would allow certain forage leases issued since 2019 to be renewed consecutively. Under previous rules, leases were returned to public auction after 15 years, raising the risk that producers who had invested heavily in the land could lose access to it.
The Manitoba Crown Land Leaseholders Association welcomed the changes. President Brent Benson said lease renewal certainty has been a top concern for ranchers, particularly those looking to expand family operations and encourage younger producers to enter the industry.
The proposed regulations would also reintroduce a points-based system for allocating Crown land leases and establish limits on the amount of ACL that a single producer or related entities can lease, with some exceptions.
The changes follow consultations with producers, communities, Indigenous governments and the public. Additional engagement is planned before the regulations are finalized.
Manitobans can review the proposed changes and provide feedback through the provincial consultation process at Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal.
