Know regulations before winter manure application
As winter approaches, Alberta farmers are reminded to review the rules for spreading manure on frozen or snow-covered ground. Under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), farms with nine months or more of manure storage are not permitted to spread manure during the winter unless they receive permission from a Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) inspector or a public notice authorizes it.
Both AOPA and the NRCB discourage winter manure spreading because frozen or snow-covered land increases the risk of runoff. This runoff can contaminate rivers, lakes, and other surface waters, posing environmental hazards.
However, barns constructed before 2002 without nine months of manure storage are not required to seek special permission. These operations must still follow all setback distances, soil nutrient management rules, and environmental protection measures to minimize pollution risks.
Farmers are encouraged to contact the NRCB before spreading manure in winter to confirm compliance and ensure their practices align with provincial regulations. It is always better to communicate with authorities beforehand than to risk environmental violations.
For more detailed information, producers should review the NRCB and Agriculture and Irrigation fact sheets titled Applying Manure on Frozen or Snow-Covered Land and Manure Spreading Regulations from the Alberta government website. These resources provide practical guidance on safe application methods and environmental stewardship.
By following these regulations and staying informed, producers can protect both their operations and the environment during the winter season, ensuring responsible and sustainable manure management practices.
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