AGLA Newsfeed
2024 RESOLUTIONS
March 2024
Resolutions passed by the AGLA membership at the 2024 AGM cover everything from woody plant encroachment to wildlife predation to addressing grazing leases in non-use and more!
2024 Rental Rates
January 2024
This one will hurt a bit but not as much as we first thought. The rental rate formula is predicting a significant increase in rental rates but the government is bringing some alleviation.
AGLA 2024 Newsletter
January 2024
This year's update from AGLA.
Inside the newsletter:
- Chaiman's Report
- 2024 Rental Rates
- AGLA New Zealand Tour
- RALP funding for projects on Crown land
- Recreational Access Regulations upcoming review
- Your ALGA Board of Directors
Rangeland Grazing Framework
July 2023
The Rangeland Grazing Framework guides the management of Alberta's Crown rangelands within the integrated land use planning system.
The Rangeland Grazing Framework:
- Defines the direction for grazing dispositions on Crown lands to guide policy and procedures.
- Recognizes the partnership between the Government of Alberta and disposition holders.
- Outlines rangeland and grazing objectives and outcomes that are adaptive, sustainable, profitable and competitive in a global market.
- Ensures grazing disposition holders' needs for success are considered on future Crown land initiatives.
Election 2023 Beef Industry Priorities
May 2023
Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association, Western Stock Growers' Association and Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association collaborated on this document to summarize some key issues impacting the beef industry in Alberta in the context of the May 2023 provincial election.
AGLA Celebrates 25 Years
April 2023
We took a little ride down memory lane for our 25th Anniversary with past chairman Larry Sears. Click on the link below to read his speech on the history of AGLA that he delivered at the AGM.
2023 AGLA AGM SUMMARY
February 2023
On February 15 the Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association (AGLA) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Medicine Hat. 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of AGLA and we celebrated where the first AGLA leaseholder meeting was held.
Please use the links below to check out the meeting summary and the resolutions passed at this year's meeting.
AGLA 2023 Newsletter
January 2023
This year's update from AGLA.
Inside the newsletter:
- What we are all about
- Message from AGLA Chairman
- Transferring a Grazing Lease
- 2022 Rec Access Survey – what we heard
- 2023 Rental Rates
- 2022 Grazing Lease Cost Survey – Unofficial Results
- Your AGLA Board of Directors
AGLA 2022 Recreational Access Survey
January 2023
Results from the leaseholder membership survey sent out in 2022.
AGLA 2022 Newsletter
January 2022
This year's update from AGLA and information for leaseholders.
Inside the newsletter:
- Message from AGLA Chairman
- AFSC Update on CALFA and MDI
- 2022 Rental Rates
- Property Rights and Grazing Leases
- 2022 Lease Cost Survey
- Your AGLA Board of Directors
AGLA Submission to the Select Special Committee for Real Property Rights in Alberta
October 2021
Grazing disposition holders undertake a significant stewardship role on public lands; they are responsible for maintaining rangeland health and serve to both protect and maintain environmental values. The extensive experience and knowledge of grazing disposition holders is an important resource in ensuring the health of the rangelands. Crown lands under grazing disposition have benefitted from the intergenerational knowledge of its stewards, and the succession of those stewards depends on security. Continued stewardship of Crown land in Alberta is reliant on the recognition of property rights in grazing leases and legislation supporting it.
2021 AGLA AGM SUMMARY
February 2021
On February 24 the Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association (AGLA) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually via Zoom.
Please use the links below to check out the meeting summary and the resolutions passed at this year's meeting.
AGLA 2021 Newsletter
January 2021
This year's update from AGLA and information for leaseholders.
Inside the newsletter:
- Message from the Chairman
- Alberta's new 'Crown Land Vision'
- Revisiting the Grazing and Timber Integration Policy
- A few words on security of tenure
- Grazing leaseholders provide upwards of $70 million to province annually
- Your AGLA board of directors
Alberta's new Crown land vision
December 2020
Recently the Alberta government released their new "Crown Land Vision". The five-page document, outlines three major focus points for the policy. The first is 'untangling the many classifications, rules and regulations so they are easier to understand'. The second is to create sustainable funding and partnerships for recreation - 'committing to improving how outdoor recreation is managed across all Crown lands to ensure there is a range of sustainable recreation opportunities for Albertans into the future.' The third is to focus on outcomes and reducing red tape. The document has a heavy emphasis on improving outdoor recreation opportunities and does not mention much of the economic contributions of dispositions on Crown land.
Click here for the Crown Land Vision document.
The first consultation in the implementation of this Crown land vision is 'Sustainable Recreation' with an online survey available to the public until January 15. It is highly probable that leaseholders will be impacted by this initiative given that one of the legislative requirements of a grazing lease is to accommodate reasonable recreational access. It is therefore it is important that our leaseholder voices are heard.
Please take the time to complete the survey at: https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-outdoor-recreation-engagement.aspx.
Opportunity for input: AER Temporary Surface Pipeline Project
December 2020
Temporary surface pipelines (TSPs) are temporary hoses or piping used to transport water on the surface of the ground for energy development. The AER started the TSP initiative as part of its work to enable industry to transport various types of alternative water. With the change from fresh water to 'alternative water' which is likely to contain low levels of contaminant, the impact of leakage or a larger release to the environment is much greater. In addition, there are environmental considerations in terms of damage to the grass resource underneath and around the pipeline and particular concerns around invasive weed species.
Please take the time to complete the survey before January 15, 2020 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PGJQCN
Other Links and More Information:
AGLA Release: Leaseholders provide upwards of $70 million in value annually
August 25, 2020
What is it worth to the province to have leaseholders as the daily on-the-ground managers and stewards of Crown lands? This report from Serecon Inc quantifies a value for the work leaseholders put into their leases.
AGLA News Release: Sale of Crown land under grazing lease
March 2020
The recent posting of Crown land for sale has excited a large number of responses and triggered many media sources and special interest groups to express opinions - and so they should. Selling parcels of Crown land seems like, on the surface, a reasonable way to increase provincial revenue in tight times but this issue is not that simple.
2020 AGLA AGM Summary
February 2020
On February 26 the Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association (AGLA) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lethbridge. The AGM creates an important link between the membership and the board. It allows AGLA to inform our members about the activities of the AGLA and provides an open forum to hear the concerns from members.
AGLA 2020 Newsletter
January 2020
This year's update from AGLA and information for leaseholders.
Inside the newsletter:
- Message from the Chairman
- Upcoming leaseholder meetings
- How to get 20 year tenure on your lease
- Bill 16: Public Lands Modernization (Grazing Leases and Obsolete Provisions) Amendment Act
- Perpetuating truth: Addressing myths on surface rights compensation
- Call for resolutions
UPDATE: Tenure for exemplary stewardship
January 2020
In July the Minister of Environment and Parks, Jason Nixon, announce extended tenure for leaseholders providing exemplary stewardship on their grazing leases. This summer AEP rangeland agrologists were evaluating leases for extended tenure on their renewal inspections. The criteria evaluated for this can be found in the links below. All leaseholders in Alberta should have received a package with this information enclosed.
Grazing disposition rental rate and assignment fee modernization
October 2019
Bill 16 the Public Lands Modernization (Grazing Lease and Obsolete Provisions) Amendment Act tabled October 15 will bring into force the legislative changes necessary to modernize the Crown rental rate and assignment fees. After years of consultative development, research and lobbying, the proposal is making it through to the next step.
Extended tenure for grazing leases
July 2019
The Government of Alberta announced they will be awarding 20-year tenure to leaseholders who demonstrate exemplary stewardship of their Crown land lease. This year rangeland agrologists conducting renewal inspections will be evaluating for eligibility for extended tenure, which will be automatically awarded at renewal. The government has not officially released the detailed criteria for eligibility yet but when they do, we will send it out to leaseholders.
AGLA 2019 Policy Brief
May 2019
Click here to read the policy brief that will shape the AGLA's discussions with government and industry this year.
AGLA 2019 AGM Summary
February 2019
AGLA held their 2019 Annual General Meeting on February 8 in Red Deer. The AGM is an important forum for AGLA board and AGLA members to connect, discuss issues that affect leaseholder and update on initiatives and activities the board undertakes on behalf of the membership.
Bighorn Country Proposal and Consultation
December 2018
The Government of Alberta has developed the Bighorn Country Proposal. It's a multiple designation proposal for the area east of the borders of Banff National Park affecting all of Clearwater County and most of Brazeau County. Public consultation for this proposal runs until January 31, 2019. The government is holding public information sessions in Drayton Valley, Red Deer, Edmonton and Sundre starting early January.
More information on the sessions and access to the online survey can be found at talkaep.alberta.ca/bighorn-country.
AGLA has been and will continue to participate in the consultation. Please complete the online survey and feel free to contact the office or your AGLA director.
Overview of Bighorn Country Proposal
AGLA Statement on Bighorn Country Proposal
Bighorn Country Proposal FAQs (GoA Document)
MAP - Bighorn Country Current State
MAP - Bighorn Country Proposed State
UPDATE JANUARY 2019
The Government of Alberta has postponed all previously scheduled stakeholder and public information sessions citing reports of harassment, bullying and intimidation experienced by session participants.
For now, feedback will be accepted through the online survey. Please take the time to review the proposal and provide your feedback. The survey deadline has been extended to February 15, 2019.
AGLA Meetings in Drayton Valley and Smoky Lake
November 2018
We are holding grazing leaseholder meetings November 28 in Drayton Valley and November 29 in Smoky Lake. Please join us to discuss issues that affect leaseholders and hear an update on AGLA activities.
Twin Rivers Heritage Rangeland Designation and Expansion
August 2018
Alberta Environment and Parks is proposing to reclassify Twin Rivers Natural Area to a Heritage Rangeland designation and expand the boundary to include an additional 3,173 hectares. The Government is conducting a survey for public consultation until August 31, 2018.
AGLA Position on Twin Rivers Proposal
Twin Rivers Heritage Rangeland Background
Twin Rivers Heritage Rangeland Survey
UPDATE: Public consultation has been extended until September 30, 2018.
2018 AGM SUMMARY
March 7, 2018 Brooks, Alberta
AGLA held their Annual General Meeting on the afternoon of March 7 in Brooks. The AGM is an important forum for touching base with our membership and keeping them informed on policy and initiatives that will impact leaseholders.
Heavy handed water policy
UPDATE
Alberta Environment and Parks has committed to dealing with each Albertan who received a letter regarding their water licenses and registrations individually. If you received a letter, please contact Operations Division of Alberta Environment and Parks.January 28, 2018
Several ranchers in the Milk River Watershed who have been using the water on their ranches for generations have received letters from Alberta Environment and Parks cancelling their historic water rights applications without citing any real reason to do so. What the letter doesn't inform them is that they have 30 days in which to appeal or they have lost the application and can't get their historic water rights recognized by Alberta law. It would appear the underlying agenda is that government is trying to claw back some water allocations on the almost fully allocated Milk River by targeting rural home and agricultural use. This would represent a blatant disregard for the rights of these ranchers.
The link below is the appeal letter filed by Keith Wilson, legal representative for Aaron Brower and Brower Ranching Company who received such a letter from the Department on December 27, 2017 which cancelled his water applications dating back to 2001. It's worth the read.
AGLA mourns the loss of Chairman James Hargrave
October 27, 2017While we are so fortunate to have had James in our corner, we are deeply saddened his time with us has been cut short. James was a great man. His energy and passion for our industry and the grasslands are eclipsed only by his love for his family. He will be forever missed.
"Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones."
Alberta Grazing Lease Rental Rate Framework
June 2017Industry along with government has been working on a new framework for grazing lease rental rates that is defensible and reflective of the costs incurred by leaseholder after having rates frozen since 1998. Part of this work included a lease cost survey done by MNP to capture a more accurate picture of leaseholder costs. Use the links below to check out the proposed framework.
AGLA Chairman hosts Ministers and MLA for ranch tour
September 19, 2016AGLA chairman James Hargrave, along with leaseholders Aaron Brower and Dr. Bill Newton, toured Alberta Environment and Parks minister Shannon Phillips, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry minister Oneil Carlier and MLA Bob Wanner as well as some of their staff through Hargrave Ranch on September 12. Click here to read more.
Farmers fear federal climate policy could hurt their industry
May 19, 2016With the carbon sequestration and storage in agricultural lands (includes both crop and pasture) not given value in the market, farmers could pay despite the net carbon footprint of the industry being on the side of overall sequestration. Click here to read more.
Grasslands a carbon-capture colossus
May 9, 2016The value of grasslands goes far beyond the grass itself. This article from the Alberta Farmer Express talks about the science behind this, and the value of the rancher stewarding the land. Click here to read more.
Oil and gas firms ask farmers for cheaper land lease rates
April 6, 2016Both the Action Surface Rights group and the Farmers' Advocate Office of Alberta are advising farmers not to give in to pressure from oil and gas companies. Click here to read more.
Alberta Grazing Lease Cost Survey
March 24, 2016Recently the AGLA has received some calls and e-mails from some grazing leaseholders about a grazing lease cost survey being conducted by MNP. Leaseholders have had questions about the purpose of the study as well as concerns about whether their information will be kept private. For more information on the survey and the reasons behind the survey, click on the link below.
Experts say ranching done right improves environment and wildlife habitat
February 26, 2016Temple Grandin writes on the habitat services provided by ranchers. This is why wildlife are found on managed grazing ecosystems - because it is good habitat as a result of the stewardship of the rancher. Click here to read more.
AGLA 2016 Annual General Meeting
February 25, 2016 Lethbridge, AlbertaThe AGM serves as an important opportunity to inform our members about the recent activities of the AGLA about the various provincial policy issues impacting leaseholders across the province and to hear the concerns from members about to best manage their grazing leases. Over 100 grazing leaseholders were in the Lethbridge and the strong turnout reflects both the significant issues our industry is facing but also the value that leaseholders see in being a member of the AGLA.
AGLA presentation to Standing Committee on Public Accounts
February 4, 2016
AGLA presented to the Public Accounts Committee in a review of the July 2015 Auditor General report. Click on the title link above to view the presentation.
Coalition meeting paves the way for unified agriculture industry approach to upcoming provincial government Bill 6 consultations
January 25, 2016
"The crop and livestock sectors came together in a historic collaboration, unified by a common goal to represent the agriculture industry with a single voice as it relates to Bill 6," says meeting co-chair Page Stuart.
Alberta Land Institute releases report Alternative Models of Compensation on Alberta's Crown Grazing Lease Lands
January 15, 2016
ALI recently completed a research project involving a look at compensation for industrial activity on grazing lease lands. AGLA was pleased to see that the final paper reflects some of the input from us on the role of grazing leases in meeting Alberta's land stewardship goals as well as the reasons for leaseholder compensation and the statutory process to determine compensation. However, the paper is contradictory on some points and unfortunately vague in others.
Heed the locals on land issues
November 9, 2015 – Edmonton Journal
With Alberta's census population of more than 3.6 million in 2011, modern-day conflict over the land base has multiplied. From energy extraction to transportation and personal travel, from off-road vehicles to the desire to farm and ranch, to reasonable calls to conserve and enjoy Alberta's natural surroundings, there are no shortages of potential land-use skirmishes. So a useful question to ask is how to manage conflicts? What can occasionally be forgotten in such policy disputes is that those closest to a problem have the best chance of solving it. In short, those closest to the land know what it could - and could not - provide. They know from close observation, from empirical reality, how best to manage the natural environment. Thus, any evidence-based discussions should always start there.
Fraser Institute report: Reform of public land management needed in Alberta to address competing demands and reduce politicization
November 3, 2015
Land management in Alberta and much of Western Canada can be enhanced if policies ensure that property rights are well-defined and transferable, finds a new book released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The book, Ranching Realities in the 21st Century, spotlights the successes and limitations of various land management policies from Alberta, Saskatchewan, the United States and Australia.
AGLA attends grazing lease roundtable with Environment and Parks Minister
September 1, 2015Held in Calgary, representatives from the grazing lease community had a meeting with Environment and Parks (EAP) Minister Shannon Phillips.
Office of the Auditor General Report - Systems audit of the grazing lease system
July, 2015AGLA Brief to OAG in response to report
July 27, 2015AGLA Appendix to Brief to OAG
July 27, 2015Financial watch dog flabbergasted at foregone grazing lease dollars
July 7, 2015AGLA will again be busy defending the rights of grazing leaseholders, their way of life and the health of the landscape under lease. We may need some help from all leaseholders to help educate all involved.
Property rights are bound to be debated again
March 7, 2015Amid the current focus on provincial red ink, one issue has slipped off the public radar screen in Alberta: Property rights. – Calgary Herald
Alberta's Grazing Lease Framework
February 24, 2015The ESRD presentation on the recently completed grazing lease rate review.
Grazing Lease Rental Rate Proposal
January 25, 2015The summary of the proposal as presented to government following industry consultation.