Protect water resources with livestock BMPs
If you have livestock in Saskatchewan, be sure you submit waste storage and waste management plans for approval.
The Agricultural Operations Act is designed to ensure that livestock operations are managed in a way that safeguards surface and groundwater. Under this Act, specific livestock operations must submit waste storage and waste management plans for approval.
If your operation doesn’t already have an approved plan, you can complete a self-assessment to determine whether you need approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
For producers requiring approval, the plan must include how manure will be stored, how its nutrients will be utilized, and how dead animals will be managed.
The Ministry of Agriculture provides regional engineers who can guide producers through the approval process.
Producers wishing to implement Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that address environmental concerns and protect water quality may be eligible for financial assistance through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP).
This federal-provincial program offers cost-sharing for practices that reduce environmental impact from intensive livestock operations. Depending on the project, funding can cover 30 to 70 percent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $200,000.
Eligible BMPs include:
- Relocating livestock confinement facilities to a safe distance from surface and groundwater sources, with decommissioning of old facilities as a requirement.
- Installing run-off control systems to prevent uncontrolled runoff from livestock areas, helping to protect water quality.
- Enhancing manure storage facilities to reduce environmental risks, including building solid manure storage sheds and purchasing manure processing equipment.
These BMPs help maintain the long-term health of agricultural land, ensuring both environmental sustainability and the continued economic success of the agricultural industry.
To apply for funding, producers must work with their regional engineer for pre-approval. After submitting the application, a pre-site inspection will be arranged.
The pre-approval deadline is December 31, 2027, with all projects needing to be completed by March 31, 2028.
For more details on the application process, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
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