Some Comments on Soil Final Ratings and Farmland Assessment Values

Decades ago, both Saskatchewan and Alberta both undertook to scientifically determine the attributes of the soil and topographic features of arable land based on uniform province wide categories, ranked its utility for agricultural purposes, and provide that baseline information to municipal governments, provincial agricultural departments, crop insurance agencies, and others.

Essentially this indexes soil productivity on a scale adjusted by economic factors that affect the average cost of crop and grass productions. These factors include stones, topography, natural hazards, man-made hazards, tree cover, and distance to market. 

The best Soil Final Rating is in the range of 80 to 100; with 60 to 79 seen to have some limitations, 45 to 59 seen as having moderate limitations; with 44 and below having reduced productive value.

This assessment does not consider any revenue from petroleum and natural gas surface leases, gravel deposits, or mineral rights; or other factors including quality of road access, improvements such as fencing, power, natural gas service, water supply, contiguous boundaries, etc. that may serve to enhance the utility and subsequent worth to a potential buyer.

When available, we provide municipal farmland assessment values, primary soil type, final ratings, and satellite imagery to assist stakeholders to compare the attributes of the subject property to similar land they may farm or parcels that have recently sold in the surrounding district.

Of course, agronomic practice, recent actions on the land such as brush clearing or alteration of drainage, and climatic conditions can all affect the level of current productivity and may be different from what may be reported in County or Municipal District land summaries or Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) documents. 

As always, it is very important for buyers to conduct their own diligence and should when necessary, consult with local agronomists, appraisers, and other professionals with expertise in the area the subject property is located in.