News release

Department Releases New Guidelines for Manure Management

Agriculture and Fisheries (Sept. 2000 - Feb. 2006)

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 .