Stories of those who have made the move

The following families are among those who have already made the move from Alberta to Saskatchewan. They are happy to tell you about themselves, how they came to make the move, and provide some friendly advice for others considering relocating.

Ackroyd Family

Lindsey, Bill, Sophie and Kate Ackroyd moved from the county of Sussex, England which is between London and the South Coast. They rented land, lived one mile from some of it and two to three miles from the rest of it.

They now own eight quarters of land and rent two quarters near Dubuc, Saskatchewan and have converted grain land to grass. They are building up their own herd of cows standing at 100 at present. Two hundred custom cows come in for the summer months. They have a rotational grazing program which has increased grass productivity considerably over the last seven years. Bill also works in construction, and big game guiding in the Yukon and North West Territories. Their daughters enjoy school and are enrolled in a local dance school and amateur drama productions.

Their advice: Buyer Beware, Do lots of research of area. Meet local people and ask questions. Go to the Rural Municipality office, bars, cafés, gas stations, stores, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture offices, REDAs and Ducks Unlimited offices. Keep an open mind. There is plenty to choose from so look at lots of property and land.

“Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see. Good luck”.

Chern Family

Bruce, Patti, Brett, Erin, Jessica and Cam Chern moved from Smoky Lake to Stockholm in 2003. They were attracted by the ability to block better quality land together at a reasonable price, and feel the amenities of the area are good for the kids.

They operated a fabrication shop and ran 300 cows in Alberta, and now run 400 pairs, with no pasture lease.

Their advice: talk to lots of people who have done it (moved) and get lots of tips and tricks from them.

Photo below: the Chern ranch.

Metzger Family

Brian, Candace, Hailleigh and Riley Metzger moved from Beiseker to Melville in 2003. They made the move to expand to better land that was more readily available, easier to obtain, and all contigious in one area so they don't have to haul cows to pasture.

Brian’s dad still grows grain in Alberta. The Saskatchewan Metzger branch of the family run a Red Angus cow/calf operation.

Their advice: talk to as many people as you can, and ask the questions that you need to.

Photo below: the Metzger ranch.

Rutledge Family

Geoff, Denise, Sara and Mitchell Rutledge moved from Sunnynook to Dubuc in 2002. They made the move to construct a grass operation from scratch and at reasonable cost, in an area with 13 inches of annual rainfall.

Prior to coming to east central Saskatchewan, Geoff was employed at Carolside Ranching in Sunnynook.

Their advice: do your homework because land prices, taxes, water quality, and soil types change quite a bit from area to area.

Schnee Family

Vince, Erin, Sarah, Colton and Naomi Schnee moved from Gwynne, Alberta to Langenburg, Saskatchewan. They operate a mixed operation - crop, cows and a feedlot. Seem to have lots on the go!

Their advice: Do your homework about land quality and water. Also give serious consideration to distance, to services, health of community, schools, medical services, etc.