'They call it progress, but we don't see it as progress': farm consolidation and land concentration in Saskatchewan, Canada

Unequal access to land, driven by decades of consolidation and concentration, is of increasing concern around the globe. This article analyzes growing farm consolidation and land concentration in the province of Saskatchewan, considered Canada's agricultural powerhouse. Drawing on Land Titles data and Census of Agriculture statistics, we document trends associated with a changing farm structure such as increasingly large land holdings, growing ownership concentration, and the emergence of a class of mega-farms. The largest farms, many of which have roots in family enterprise, are becoming increasingly complex in their organizational form and in their relationships to farmland, rented and owned. Our qualitative analysis allows us to provide an 'on the ground' view of these trends, including the multiple social and environmental changes wrought by on-going consolidation. We argue that these trends are contributing to a homogenization, flattening, and emptying out of Saskatchewan rural landscapes. Furthermore, we document increasing competitive pressures and land market dynamics that will likely continue to exacerbate land inequality and impede the entry of new farmers. Our research underlines the importance of new, more sophisticated ways of conceptualizing the family farm and its evolution from 'farm to firm'.

Automated summary

This article analyzes the growing farm consolidation and land concentration in Saskatchewan, Canada, and highlights the trends of increasing land holdings, ownership concentration, and the emergence of mega-farms. The research also discusses the social and environmental changes caused by consolidation and emphasizes the importance of rethinking the concept of family farms. Additionally, the study documents the competitive pressures and land market dynamics that contribute to land inequality and hinder the entry of new farmers.