Input needed on rental rates

Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives, Crown Lands Stakeholders Consultation Committee has begun the process of initiating a survey of private pasture rentals in Manitoba, which will form the basis of determining the rental rate on Crown lands for the triennial period of 2010 – 2012.

To provide a bit of history, effective January 1, 2000, the method for calculating rentals on agriculturally leased Crown land was changed to a “market-based” system. A major component of this “market-based” system is to gather data by way of a survey relative to private pasture rentals in Manitoba. Since 1997, the private pasture rental survey has been a cooperative effort between MAFRI and stakeholder committee representatives, which includes representation from the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, Manitoba Sheep Association Inc., Manitoba Bison, and Manitoba Equine Ranchers.

The initial survey conducted in 1997, combined with an additional survey in 2000, served as the basis for establishing the first “market based” rental rate for Crown lands. Subsequent surveys have been conducted since then, leading to the current survey and upcoming triennial rental period of 2010 – 2012.

Producers, who meet the criteria of renting private pasture in Manitoba, either as a renter or a landlord, can expect to receive a survey in the mail by the end of March. However, if you are a producer who meets the criteria and do not receive a mailed version of the survey, we encourage your participation by way of completing the survey that is included in this issue of Cattle Country.