Information about Environmental Management
Nutrient Management Training Courses

1. Introduction
2. Fundamentals of Nutrient Management
3. Introduction to Nutrient Management (beginning January 2008)
4. Regulation and Protocols
5. Developing a Nutrient Management Strategy and Plan Using NMAN
6. Broker's Certificate Course
7. Land Application Business Owner's Licence Course
8. Nutrient Technician Application Licence Course
   

Introduction

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs offers a broad range of training courses to provide information on nutrient management and the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA), Regulation and Protocols. The following is a list of training courses, including prerequisite requirements. We offer courses on a rotating schedule at locations across the province.

For dates and times of scheduled courses, visit www.ontario.ca/omafra, click on "Agriculture," then "Nutrient Management Information," and then "Certification and Training." To register for an upcoming course, call the Nutrient Management Toll-Free Information Line at 1-866-242-4460. Courses are available in English and French.

Courses:

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management

This course outlines the basic principles of nutrient management and the process for creating NMS/Ps. We highly recommend attending this course before taking the Regulation and Protocols course.

If you wish to start a plan for your own farm, please bring the following:

• Area soil map (or information from the Environmental Farm plan)
• Farm soil test results
• Crop information (yields, fertilizer, crop rotations, etc.), and
• Manure information (if available).

This course is a requirement for the Agricultural Operations Strategy and Plan Development Certificate. This course, or its equivalent, is required for the Agricultural Operation Planning Certificate. This course is available until December 31, 2007, at which point, it will be replaced by the Introduction to Nutrient Management course.

See Course Schedule

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Introduction to Nutrient Management (beginning January 2008)

This course outlines the basic agronomic principles that are embedded in the Nutrient Management Act and Regulations. We highly recommend attending this course, before taking the Regulation and Protocols course.

You will be given information on:

• Situations, characteristics and practices that could contribute to nutrient loss and environmental damage
• How to recognize opportunities to maximize the use of the prescribed materials generated on-farm
• How to use Best Management Practices that can reduce nutrient loss and maximize crop uptake of nutrients
• Define key terms and practices such as the N-Index, P-Index, red flags, and nutrient loss
• How to use the knowledge shared in the course on farm operations and in the preparation of nutrient management strategies and plans.

This course is required for the Agricultural Operation Strategy or Plan Development Certificate and the Agricultural Operation Planning Certificate.

See Course Schedule

Regulation and Protocols

The cost of the online course is the same as the classroom course.

Option 2 - Regulation and Protocols Course - In-class version

This classroom course is delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and is offered on a seasonal basis. To register for courses, call the Nutrient Management Information Line.

See Course Schedule

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Developing a Nutrient Management Strategy and Plan Using NMAN

IIn this hands-on course, instructors guide you through the steps of developing a NMS and NMP - using NMAN software specifically designed for this purpose. This course covers:

• What is contained in a NMS/P
• How to read and use a NMS/P on-farm (whether prepared by themselves or by a consultant)
• An overview of the practical tools required to prepare a NMS/P, and
• How to use NMAN software for NMS/P preparation, and as a recordkeeping tool

NMAN software is provided to all participants (basic computer knowledge is required). This course is a requirement for the Agricultural Operations Strategy and Plan Development Certificate. We highly recommend this course for farmers preparing their own nutrient management strategies and plans.

See Course Schedule

Broker's Certificate Course

This course helps you get familiar with the NMA, Regulation and Protocols and examines how the NMA directly affects broking operations. (Brokers are individuals or businesses that transport, haul or store prescribed materials in the course of their business operations.)

This course is a requirement for obtaining a Broker Certificate. A Broker Certificate is mandatory for brokers who deal with farm operations subject to Ontario Regulation 267/03 under the NMA. Note: this course also constitutes day one of the Land Application Business Owner's Licence Course.

See Course Schedule

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Land Application Business Owner's Licence Course

This course helps you become familiar with the NMA, Regulation and Protocols, and examines how the NMA directly affects a custom applicator business. This course is required for obtaining a Prescribed Materials Business Application Licence. This licence is required for owners/managers of a land application business that deal with farm operations subject to Ontario Regulation 267/03 under the NMA. Note: the first day of this two-day course is the same as the Broker's Certificate Course.

See Course Schedule

Nutrient Application Technician Licence Course

This course is a requirement for people applying nutrients to land on farms that are phased-in under the Nutrient Management Act and require a nutrient management plan.

This course consists of a DVD/video and associated workbook that outlines the regulatory requirements and Best Management Practices for people who apply agricultural source materials, non-agricultural source materials and commercial fertilizer to land. Course materials must be delivered by a qualified trainer. There are two options for taking this training:

Option 1 - completed at the workplace with a qualified representative. A qualified representative is someone who holds a valid "Prescribed Materials Application Business Licence", and has day-to-day managerial responsibility for field operations and has extensive knowledge of the company's standard business and operating practices. Materials for training at the workplace can be ordered through the Nutrient Management Information Line.

Option 2 - Classroom course delivered by OMAFRA. A limited number of courses will be offered on a seasonal basis. To register for courses, call the Nutrient Management Information Line.

See Course Schedule

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