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Finding a good piece of land for livestock and agriculture can be hard to do. You might want to know, where is the cheapest agricultural land in Canada?
The cheapest agricultural land in Canada can be found in the following places:
- Manitoba for around $1,588 per acre
- Saskatchewan for about $1,784 per acre
- Alberta for a bit over $2,400 per acre
- Nova Scotia for a bit over $2,600 per acre
We’ve been researching land for years and have expertise in Canada in general, and we know where to get the best deals. We’ll explain where to find the best agricultural land in Canada at a good price.
Key Takeaways
- The cheapest land in Canada is in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
- The Yukon territory has also been giving away free agricultural land to some people.
- The effectiveness of farm land varies considerably based on the region
- You’ll want to do a lot of research to see how easy it is to live in certain parts of Canada.
- Canada is a great place for selling farmland too.
Table of Contents
Cheapest Agricultural Land Prices in Canada
Manitoba
Manitoba boasts some of the cheapest agricultural land in Canada, with an average price of $1,588 per acre. This province is known for its fertile soil and is perfect for growing crops such as wheat, canola, and soybeans. It also has a thriving livestock industry, with cattle, pigs, and chickens being the primary livestock raised in the province.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is another province with affordable agricultural land, with an average price of $1,784 per acre. The province is known for its vast prairies, which are ideal for growing wheat, barley, and other grains. It is also home to a thriving livestock industry, with cattle being the primary livestock raised in the province.
One of the better parts about Saskatchewan in particular is that the province has lots of farm land and pasture land available. You won’t be competing with others as much if you are trying to find the cheapest land, and the ability to find real estate for a hobby farm or livestock should be fairly simple too.
Alberta
Alberta is known for its diverse agriculture industry, with an average price of $2,438 per acre. The province is ideal for growing crops such as wheat, barley, and canola. It is also home to a thriving livestock industry, with cattle, pigs, and chickens being the primary livestock raised in the province.
Going along with livestock, Albert is best known for both having plenty of ranches and having lots of property available for starting new ranches.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia can be described as the most expensive land on our cheap list, but it might still be worth it. With an average price of $2,622 per acre. The province is known for its fertile soil and is perfect for growing crops such as blueberries, apples, and grapes. It is also home to a thriving livestock industry, with cattle and pigs being the primary livestock raised in the province.
Yukon
The Yukon is a unique province in Canada, with free agricultural land available for those willing to farm the north. The province offers 65 hectares (160 acres) of land to Canadians and permanent residents who have been living in the Yukon for more than a year.
The land is ideal for growing crops such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, as well as raising livestock such as cattle and sheep.
Factors Affecting Agricultural Land Prices in Canada
When it comes to agricultural land prices in Canada, there are several factors that come into play. These factors can vary by location and can have a significant impact on the cost of farmland. In this section, I will discuss some of the most important factors that affect agricultural land prices in Canada, including location, soil quality, and climate.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors that affect agricultural land prices in Canada. Farmland prices can vary significantly depending on the province or city in which the land is located. For example, the average value of cultivated Canadian farmland increased by 12.8% in 2022, with the highest recorded increases in Ontario (22.2%) and British Columbia (18.1%).
Location can also affect the type of crops or livestock that are most profitable. For example, Saskatchewan is known for its wheat and canola crops, while Alberta is known for its beef cattle. Ontario is known for its dairy farms, while Quebec is known for its maple syrup production.
We would avoid places like Prince Edward Island. While the area is fertile, the real estate prices within the area are rather high. Expect to pay double the most expensive land prices on our list. Agricultural land here is only worth it if you like the area - and many people do, considering that nearly half the land on the island is agricultural.
Soil Quality
Soil quality is another important factor that affects agricultural land prices in Canada. The quality of soil can vary significantly depending on the location and can affect the types of crops that can be grown on the land. For example, some areas may have soil that is more suitable for growing wheat, while other areas may have soil that is better suited for growing corn.
The value of farmland can also be affected by the amount of organic matter in the soil. Soil with a high amount of organic matter is generally more fertile and can produce higher yields. As a result, farmland with high-quality soil may be more expensive than farmland with lower-quality soil.
As you might suspect, areas like Ontario in Central Canada have some of the best soil available but aren’t on the list of cheapest agricultural land.
Climate
The climate is another important factor that affects agricultural land prices in Canada. The climate can affect the types of crops that can be grown on the land and can also affect the yield of those crops. For example, areas with a longer growing season may be more suitable for growing certain types of crops, while areas with a shorter growing season may be better suited for other types of crops.
The climate can also affect the type of livestock that can be raised on the land. For example, areas with a colder climate may be better suited for raising beef cattle, while areas with a milder climate may be better suited for raising dairy cattle.
The western Pacific coast regions in Canada will experience more temperate weather without many extremes. Provinces in Central Canada, like southwestern Ontario, have more temperature and climate swings with less rainfall but are more prone to seriously cold and very warm weather.
Other Factors to Consider
Infrastructure
When considering purchasing agricultural land, it is important to take into account the infrastructure of the surrounding area. This includes access to transportation, markets, and other amenities that are necessary for running a successful farm. In some areas, roads may be poorly maintained, making it difficult to transport goods to market.
In other areas, there may be a lack of processing facilities or other necessary infrastructure. Areas like Manitoba and the Yukon where the prices of farm land is the lowest often give farmers a harder time getting their livestock and crops out.
Water Availability
Access to water is essential for any agricultural operation, and it is important to consider the water availability in the area before purchasing land. Some areas may be prone to drought or have limited water resources, which can make it difficult to grow certain crops or raise livestock. It is important to research the local water sources and determine whether they are reliable and sufficient for your needs.
Local Regulations
Before purchasing agricultural land, it is important to research the local regulations governing land use and farming practices. Some areas may have strict zoning laws that limit the types of crops that can be grown or the number of livestock that can be raised.
It is also important to consider any environmental regulations that may impact your operation, such as restrictions on the use of pesticides or fertilizers.
About THE AUTHOR
Brittany Melling
Brittany has been in the land business since 2020 when the world was starting to shut down. Since then, we’ve sold to dozens of people from ATV weekend warriors to camping enthusiasts to retired truck drivers. Our inventory spans mostly in the western United States. We’ve been trained by experience, land acquisition courses, and hundreds of hours meeting with county assessors and clerks, zoning officials, realtors, and land investors. We’ve answered hundreds of questions from people regarding the buying and use of land.
Read More About Brittany Melling