Cattle moved onto unapproved feedlot in Sask.

The Rural Municipality of Lac Pelletier is considering what to do next after it says Monette Farms disregarded its ruling that prevented a winter feeding site near the lake.

Earlier this summer, the RM turned down an application for a year-round feedlot on the site and on Oct. 14 ruled a winter-only intensive livestock operation wasn’t allowed either.

“The result of both rulings means that the feedlot in question is no longer permissible on the property. All parties affected by this ruling were notified on Oct. 20, 2025. On Oct. 29, 2025, it is confirmed the proponent has ignored the ruling of the RM of Lac Pelletier and placed cattle into the feedlot,” said a press release issued by the RM Nov. 14.

Jeremy Neufeld, councillor for Division 5, called the situation an “unfortunate turn of events.” In an interview, he said he didn’t know exactly how many cattle had been moved to the location.

“It’s definitely exceeded the 299 he’s allowed,” Neufeld said.

At the July public meeting, Monette Farms chief executive officer Darrel Monette said the feedlot had operated at that location for years, but others said it was only a staging area.

Monette purchased the site in 2019 and upgraded the infrastructure to accommodate 2,000 head before the RM was informed what was happening. The previous owner never had a permit.

The RM had approved a discretionary use permit in 2022 for a wintering site for 1,000 head and in 2024 the province approved Monette’s application for an intensive livestock operation.