Department Releases New Guidelines for Manure Management

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is proposing some new guidelines that will help Nova Scotia farmers better manage livestock manure on their farms.

The guidelines released today, Oct. 14, apply to all livestock operations, including beef, dairy, sheep, goat, poultry, mink, and hogs, where manure management constitutes a significant component of the farm operation.

"There have been many changes to environmental laws, agricultural practices and technologies since the guidelines were last revised," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "We believe it is time to update the guidelines to reflect today's best management practices for the agricultural sector."

The proposed revisions describe the components for manure storage and establish guidelines for developing a sound manure management plan and for putting the plan into action.

A document describing the suggested guidelines provides current information on legislation, nutrient management planning, safety factors and hauling of manure. It is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/rs/envman/manureguide1_16.pdf . Copies are also available at the department's regional offices.

Comments on the proposed revisions will be accepted until Tuesday, Nov. 15. They can be forwarded to Lorne Crozier, resource management specialist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, P.O. Box 550, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3 or e-mailed to crozielm@gov.ns.ca .

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has released updated manure management guidelines for comment today (October 14th).

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Chris d'Entremont says it is time to update the guidelines to reflect today's best management practices for the agricultural sector.

Proposed new guidelines are available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' website or at regional offices. Comments on the guidelines will be accepted until November 15th.

The guidelines apply to all livestock operations where manure management makes up a significant component of the farm operation.

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