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Over the last few months I have had the privilege of seeing dozens of farm construction projects aimed at improving water quality both on and off of the farm. Many of these farms have been beef operations where the biggest challenge in the past has been dealing with manure runoff from cattle yards, open manure storages or temporary field piles. One common element I observed about every successful construction project was a well researched plan.

Constructing a farm building in Ontario takes a great deal of planning and there are a number of different regulations that you may have to comply with. You can find this information at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/07-007.htm

Most farmers are aware of the Provincial Nutrient Management Act (2002) but are less aware of the impacts of amendments to the regulations that were filed last September which can be found on the OMAFRA website at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/agops/index.html

Before obtaining a building permit, you may be required to develop or obtain a Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) and a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).

Figure 1: Open livestock yard with no containment of precipitation and runoff.*

Nutrient Management Strategies and Nutrient Management Plans

The Nutrient Management Strategy sets out the environmentally acceptable methods for managing all prescribed materials generated at an agricultural or non-agricultural operation. It is a document that describes generation, storage and destination of manure and other prescribed materials. It provides information such as: number of animals, barns, manure storages, livestock yards and runoff management. The total capacity of the farm unit may be considered when applying for a building permit.

The Nutrient Management Plan details how manure, fertilizer and other nutrients are applied to a given land base. It is a five year plan that details the characteristics of the land, crop rotation, as well as the cropping and nutrient application practices. It optimizes the utilization of the nutrients by crops in the field and minimizes environmental impacts.

What projects require an approved NMS?

On any farm, where the number of farm animals is greater than 5 nutrient units (NU) or will be greater than 5 NU upon completion of construction, the following projects require an approved NMS:

* An approved NMS is also required in these situations in unorganized townships.

Nutrient Units

Nutrient units are calculated based on the number of livestock housed on a farm unit. A nutrient unit is defined as the number of animals that will give the fertilizer replacement value of the lower of; 43 kilograms of nitrogen or 55 kilograms of phosphate per year as nutrients.

The table below describes the number of beef animals of various types per nutrient unit:

Animal Type	Animals/Nutrient Unit
Beef Backgrounders (7-12.5 months)	3
Beef Cows (including unweaned calf)	1
Beef Feeders (7-16 months)	3

For farms with other livestock species and or mixed livestock operations, call the toll free Nutrient Management Information Line at 1 866-242-4460.

Figure 2: Roofed livestock yard with a poured cement pad and containment walls to eliminate manure runoff and divert precipitation (rain, snow) away from the yard.*

Does this mean I must document the 5 year crop plan for my farm?

Not necessarily. The five year crop plan would be part of a nutrient management plan. Although a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is recommended to all farm operations that apply manure and fertilizer, only some of the farms that have a Nutrient Management Strategy will need to have a Nutrient Management Plan. If any of the following conditions apply, the farm must also have a NMP:

How do I get my NMS approved?

First of all, NM strategies and NM plans must be prepared by someone certified under the Nutrient Management Act (2002). There are two options for certification: a farmer can take the necessary courses to be certified or you can hire a certified consultant to prepare your NMS. Once your NM strategy has been prepared, it is sent to OMAFRA in Guelph for approval.

For more information on consultants, nutrient management courses, or who to contact in your area for more information on nutrient management, call the toll free Nutrient Management Information Line 1 866-242-4460 or visit the OMAFRA website on-line at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/agops/index.html.

Funding

Funding for projects may be available under the federal Environmental Farm Plan and Cost Share program, through your local Conservation Authority, or through the Oak Ridges Moraine Environmental Enhancement Program. Costs associated with hiring consultants for completing the NMS and NMP may be eligible.

For more information on the Environmental Farm Plan Program and related cost share program, call the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association toll free at 1-800-265-9751, (519) 826-4214, or visit the website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org

Figure 3: Open manure storage and livestock yard with some containment of precipitation and runoff.*

Figure 4: Covered manure storage and livestock yard (separated by concrete walls with swing gates) to eliminate contaminated runoff.*

*All photos courtesy of Anne Loeffler, Grand River Conservation Authority

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