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.

Cairns Family

Stu, DJ, Oren, Nolan and Casey Cairns (above left) moved from Niton Junction to Grayson in 1999, attracted by lower land values, opportunity for the kids, and the ag-based economy of east central Saskatchewan.

They now run cow-calf and stockers, and Stu works as a full-time agrologist with Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Their advice: take the time to research land practices and culture of the chosen area.

Photo at right: Stu’s deer, 2004. He has hunted buck on his ranch the last two seasons.

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.

Wittevrongel Family

Norm and Pat Wittevrongel moved from Medicine Hat to Killaly in 2002, after drought forced them to sell half of their cattle herd and purchase expensive feed. That brought about the purchase of their new ranch in Saskatchewan in what Norm says was a “weak moment”.

Their advice: test water and pay attention to the buildings as well as land when buying.