Some Alberta ranchers are exploring the potential of venturing into tourism to sustain their family farms for future generations, offering unique accommodations. Breanna Morrison, a rancher in Southern Alberta, purchased five old grain bins through an online auction with the idea of transforming them into hotel rooms on her ranch near Pincher Creek. The Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins opened in July, providing guests with a prairie farm experience in units named “The Cattleman,” “The Trail Boss,” and “The Wrangler.”
Each two-story metal bin, inspired by the TV show Yellowstone, offers two beds and one bathroom at a rate of approximately $300 per night. The cabins were consistently booked throughout the summer, exceeding Morrison’s expectations. The project aimed to diversify ranch income and pave the way for her children to potentially take over the farm in the future, as she now has three kids under the age of four.
The conversion of the grain bins into guest houses posed challenges, requiring permits from the rural municipality and meticulous planning and construction work. Morrison recognized the importance of succession planning in agriculture, especially with the aging farming population and declining number of family farms. As the industry faces a significant generational shift, efforts to attract and retain younger farmers become crucial.
Andrea Gruza of Bonnefield Inc. estimates a substantial turnover of farmland in the upcoming decade as aging farmers plan to pass down their properties. The issue of succession is complex due to rising farmland costs, income volatility, and lifestyle preferences. Agritourism is emerging as a strategy to preserve farm culture and appeal to the next generation, although it may pose unfamiliar challenges for existing farm operators.
Cindy Marr and her husband converted three grain bins into guest houses at their beef farm near Waterton Lakes National Park to ensure the farm’s viability and facilitate its transfer to their children. Dubbed Twin Butte Silos, the guest houses were fully booked with visitors from various countries, reflecting the potential of this approach to support multi-generational farm operations.
The significance of maintaining viable farms and attracting younger generations to agriculture is underscored by the changing landscape of farming in Canada. As the industry grapples with succession planning, innovative solutions like agritourism offer hope for sustaining family farms and preserving agricultural legacies for years to come.