The Manitoba government has extended its current rent freeze of $3.66 per animal unit month for Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) forage leases through the 2026 growing season, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced on Oct. 8. The rate remains the lowest in Western Canada.
“Manitoba producers are the backbone of the provincial economy and our government is committed to keeping life affordable for the hard-working Manitobans who put food on our tables,” said Kostyshyn. “Continuing this rent freeze provides financial stability for producers and reflects our commitment to affordability.”
The ACL program supports approximately 1,750 leaseholders across Manitoba, including Fisher Branch cattle farmer Allan Lindal. He owns about 100 Simmentals and farms 1,000 acres of Crown land — just under half of his total property. Lindal said the extended rent freeze will provide financial relief for him and other Interlake producers.
“I was happy to see the government’s commitment to doing it again, as it is very financially helpful to us farmers,” he said. “It truly shows their commitment to people working within the agricultural sector and at the bottom line — when the agriculture industry thrives, so will the businesses. Because if cattle farmers have money to spend, we will spend it. If we don’t, we’ll definitely be cutting back on our purchases.”
This past growing season has brought many challenges, both physical and financial. Farmers across the province have faced drought and feed shortages — two factors that have strained Lindal’s operation. He said that despite the shortages, he expects to have enough feed to last the winter, though it’s not a situation he’s comfortable with.
While he appreciates the rent freeze, Lindal said it represents only a temporary measure for a long-term issue.
“They need to come up with something they can commit to long term. While the freezes are nice, it’s just a short one-time fix that leads to uncertainty for the future years. A long-term plan is needed to help farmers sustain their operations.”
Lindal also wants to see changes to the allocation system, which he said makes it difficult for young farmers to acquire land.
He explained that under the current 15-year lease bid system, the higher the bid, the greater the chance of securing the lease. Once awarded, the land is leased for only 15 years. The previous system was based on need, and farmers could hold land indefinitely.
“Young farmers who are purchasing their land always have to think into the future, and what their plans might be to purchase more land once their 15-year lease is up,” Lindal said. “It should come back to — what I think was called — the legacy lease, so young farmers can know they are committed to their career and don’t have to face that uncertainty.”
Along with the rent freeze, the Manitoba government has launched the first phase of its public engagement process to help shape the future of the ACL program — something Lindal said he’s pleased to see.
“I encourage all farmers to take part in the survey,” he said. “It shows that the government is committed to helping improve the program, and I’m hoping that with the inclusion of farmers’ voices, it will give the government some ideas and the go-ahead to proceed with changes. It’s good they want to get our opinions — now I hope they listen.”
Manitobans can complete the survey at engagemb.ca until Nov. 24. Feedback will help inform decisions for the 2027 ACL program.
“Our minister of agriculture does understand the importance of the agriculture industry and Crown land to rural agricultural operations,” Lindal added. “We’ll work together to ensure the industry is sustainable in all communities within the Interlake.”
