Some Alberta ranchers are exploring the tourism sector to sustain their family farms for future generations, introducing unique accommodations to attract visitors.
Breanna Morrison, a rancher in Southern Alberta, ventured into an unconventional project by purchasing five old grain bins through an online auction. She repurposed these two-story metal bins into hotel rooms, naming them “The Cattleman,” “The Trail Boss,” and “The Wrangler.”
Located on Morrison’s ranch near Pincher Creek, Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins opened in July, offering guests a taste of Canada’s prairie life. Each unit features two beds and one bathroom, attracting guests at around $300 per night, with high demand throughout the summer.
The conversion of old grain bins into guest houses posed challenges, including obtaining permits from the rural municipality for this unique endeavor. The project, spanning several years of planning and construction, involved intricate tasks such as installing windows, doors, interior walls, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems due to the round metal structure of the bins.
Morrison’s initiative aims to diversify the ranch’s income stream and pave the way for her children to inherit the farm. As the agricultural sector faces a significant generational shift, with a projected 60% of farmers aged over 65 by 2033, succession planning becomes crucial.
Andrea Gruza of Bonnefield Inc. estimates that approximately $300 billion worth of farmland is expected to change hands in the next decade as aging farmers transition ownership. The rising cost of farmland, income volatility, and lifestyle preferences present challenges in attracting younger generations to farming.
Cindy Marr and her husband also embraced agritourism by converting three grain bins into guest houses at their beef farm near Waterton Lakes National Park. The Twin Butte Silos attracted visitors worldwide and helped sustain the farm for future generations.
In light of the evolving agricultural landscape, where nearly half of farmers in Canada hold secondary jobs, the concept of agritourism offers a potential solution to maintain farm viability and engage the next generation in farming practices. The Marr family’s dedication to preserving their ranching legacy reflects a broader trend among farmers seeking innovative ways to secure their farms’ future.
