One Earth and BS no one wants to buy out aging farmers.

[SASKFARMER3]

This meat head that's speaking on BNN today. I'm getting sick and tired of hearing that farmers want to quit and no one is able to buy them out. What a crock of Pure Bull Shit. Sorry I'm just getting sick of these and other experts that think farmers in Western Canada cant buy out their neighbors.
One earth their is not a single acre that I could buy in the four RMS our farm is located. Even threw out $160,000 the other day. No bitters.
So this BS of opening up our land to foreigners to purchase is pure shit for brains Ideas.
Oh this topic just rubs me wrong.
LAND IS LAND AND WHEN I OWN IT OR ANOTHER FARMER OWNS IT ITS STILL LAND!!

[mcfarms]

Ask BNN to compile a list for me please, land has gone from 1000 to 2000 in 7 years here and that still won't shake any loose.

[furrowtickler]

Comes down to the precieved value of the said land - thats the issue. Land listed for $1500/ac, I think he is crazy, only willing to pay sub $1000. Meanwhile it is a precived insult to landowner and he can get $1400 from one earth which they beleive a bargin, as told by investors(Sprot). Problem is the AVERAGE productive value is only $750/ac - thus the achealies(sp?) heal of reality.

[furrowtickler]

The thorn in the side for local buyer is that the same dirt was worth $500/ac five years ago. Yes land is inflating , but 200% in 5 years in Sask??? ONLY good for those selling and good on them if they get it but for those local farmers not willing - smart move - massive bubble, just like U.S. housing five years ago it will reverse sooner than later IMO.

[ajl]

The real problem is the aging farmers
hoarding the land. Land only comes for
sale if there is death or divorce. If all
the over 80 year old would put their land
for sale today the price would drop in
half.

[SASKFARMER3]

We have no one even close to that age that still own land in our area that's not transferred to their sons or relatives. Nothing moved last spring except the 240,000 quarter and poorer 120000 section. Nothing this spring. Rent still cheap at 30 to 50 but nothing available. Our long term goal was a half section every year till certain size. Well this year will be a zero year for expansion. Oh well more time for the lake.

[farmaholic]

Furrowtickler:

I think your right on the money. I think we are at a point where we were in the beginning of the 80's. Land prices were high (for the time) and when commodities fell and interest rose land prices slipped. I am not saying interest rates are going to get a lot higher, but who knows what these commodity prices are going to do. Everything may pencil out now but if something in the equation changes drastically it could turn ugly. I don't blame people for not wanting to sell their land but if they're at a time in their life when they're getting close to selling, what are they holding out for? I too think it is a good time to sell and not such a good time to buy.

As far as outside investors go, I don't mind seeing people/families from other countries come in an buy a farm to make a living with. But these Investment Companies are just driving the prices up for those who want to expand or start farming. When things go bad the Investment Companies will fold up like a cheap tent and retreat with their tail between their legs. The only ones left will be the true farmers who have the guts and nuts to put up with what agriculture in Western Canada is all about--high risk.

So as far as I am concerned these Investment Companies won't be around too long. I like to see land prices appreciate just like any other land owner but under more normal circumstances. So if your willing to pay a lot more than the productive capacity of the land, you better be aware of the possibly to see the value of the land decrease before it appreciates(under more normal circumstances) back to what you paid. Which could take years. I hope I am wrong--dead wrong!!

[SASKFARMER3]

History does repeat. Only one guy in our area paid 160000 for land in early 80s and survived. He just last spring bought the 120000 quarter in our area. One note in 30 years he purchased no land.

[furrowtickler]

S/F what drives you to the idea of buying-farming more dirt every year?? Just currious b/c I have seen that relentless drive put more than a few upside down. Creating wealth is one thing but.... Not agaisnt expansion, just that I have seen guys get blinded/pushed over that cliff.

[grrrr]

well said farmaholic. I agree totally.