Biggest Ontario Farm Struggles to Sell
A large working farm in Ontario, one of the province’s biggest on the market, is facing difficulties finding a buyer. Listed at $72.1 million, the 2,300-acre property is located near Lake Erie in Elgin County, spanning both Malahide Township and Central Elgin. Despite its prime agricultural value and potential for diverse crop production, trade-related uncertainty has dampened buyer interest.
This massive farm is a cash crop operation growing staples like corn, wheat, and beans. It consists of 18 parcels of land that stretch from Port Burwell to west of Port Bruce. The property has been under the ownership of a single family for years, who are now selling to explore new ventures.
However, the timing has proven challenging. Ongoing trade tensions between Canada and major partners such as the United States and China have introduced new tariffs on agricultural exports. With a significant share of Canadian produce—particularly greenhouse vegetables, pork, beef, and canola oil—exported to the U.S., any disruption in trade impacts sales and profitability.
The U.S. has already imposed several tariffs on Canadian imports, and more are expected soon. Canada has responded with its own tariffs on U.S. goods and on Chinese imports, further complicating the agricultural trade landscape. China’s recent tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agri-food products have added to the uncertainty.
Higher interest rates, increased land prices, and unpredictable market conditions have also made potential buyers hesitant. Many are waiting for clarity on future trade policies and government support measures before making large investments.
While farmland continues to hold long-term value, read the article “Ontario sees modest growth in farmland value compared to the rest of Canada” to learn more about the current value of farmland in Ontario.
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