Advanced Preliminary MDS Screening Tool

Estimate livestock barn and manure storage setback distances before choosing a building site.

Call 226-222-4293 →

This tool is a preliminary planning screen only. It is not the official AgriSuite MDS calculation and must not be used as the final MDS calculation for a building permit, zoning review, nutrient management submission, or municipal approval.

Need help with your Nutrient Management Plan or Strategy? Call or text 226-222-4293.

Advanced Preliminary MDS Screening Tool for Ontario Barn Projects

Enter your livestock, manure storage, and scenario to estimate setback distances for barn/manure storage builds in Ontario.

Livestock

Livestock #1

Existing animals

Proposed animals (after build)

Estimated NU

0.0

Select the highest-odour manure storage on your farm (this controls the setback).

Example: If your farm has a lagoon or uncovered liquid pit anywhere on the yard, select that — even if your new barn uses solid manure.

Scenario

Building a new barn/storage

Expanding an existing barn/storage

TOTAL NUTRIENT UNITS

0.0 NU

MINIMUM DISTANCE TO NEAREST HOUSE

0 m

BARN SETBACK TO NEAREST HOUSE

STORAGE SETBACK TO NEAREST HOUSE

0 m

MINIMUM SETBACK TO PROPERTY LINE

MINIMUM SETBACK TO ROAD

REQUIRED DISTANCE FOR NEW HOUSE BUILDS NEAR YOUR FARM

0 m

This result is a planning estimate only. It may help identify whether a proposed barn or manure storage location needs closer review, but it does not confirm compliance.

Start a Nutrient Management review →

MDS Is Only One Part of the Review

After checking MDS setbacks or nutrient units, use the decision tool to see whether your project may also require an NMS, NMP, or both.

Use the NMS/NMP Decision Tool →

Related Planning Tools & Next Steps

MDS is only one part of planning a livestock barn or manure storage project. These pages can help you understand nutrient units, NMS requirements, barn planning, costs, and consultant support.

PLANNING TOOLS

Quick MDS Check

Use a simpler screening tool to check whether a proposed barn location may be constrained by setbacks or nearby land uses.

Quick Check →

Calculate Nutrient Units

Estimate livestock nutrient units to help determine whether NMS or NMP requirements may be triggered.

Calculate Nutrient Units →

MDS I & MDS II Explained

Learn the difference between MDS I and MDS II and how each affects barn siting and livestock expansion.

Learn about MDS →

NEXT STEPS FOR BARN PROJECTS

Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS)

Building or expanding livestock may trigger a Nutrient Management Strategy. Learn when an NMS is required and what it includes.

Learn About NMS →

Building a Barn in Ontario

Review the main planning steps for barn projects, including MDS, nutrient units, manure storage, and approval requirements.

View Barn Planning Guide →

Typical NMS/NMP Costs

See typical starting ranges for new barn NMS, livestock expansion NMS, Nutrient Management Plans, and NMS + NMP packages.

View Pricing →

Nutrient Management Consultant

Need help interpreting your MDS result for a barn build, permit package, or nutrient management requirement?

Work With a Consultant →

Barn Planning Support Across Southwestern Ontario

LandLogic helps farms across Southwestern Ontario review MDS setbacks, nutrient units, manure storage, and NMS/NMP requirements before moving ahead with a barn build or livestock expansion.

Nutrient Management Services in Southwestern Ontario

Run Your Setback & MDS Numbers

Can I Build a Barn Here?

Check whether a proposed barn location may be constrained by MDS, setbacks, or nearby land uses.

Open tool →

Calculate Nutrient Units

Estimate livestock nutrient units to help determine whether NMS or NMP requirements may be triggered.

Open tool →

MDS FAQs

How close can I build a barn to a neighbour's house in Ontario?

What is MDS II?

Does MDS apply to a manure storage?

Do I need MDS before I build a barn?

What information do I need for an MDS calculation?

Why does manure storage type change MDS?

Is MDS the same as a lot line setback?

Does MDS apply to a barn expansion?

Can LandLogic help with MDS planning?

Advanced Preliminary MDS Screening Tool

Advanced Preliminary MDS Screening Tool for Ontario Barn Projects

Enter your livestock, manure storage, and scenario to estimate setback distances for barn/manure storage builds in Ontario.

Livestock

Select the highest-odour manure storage on your farm (this controls the setback).

Example: If your farm has a lagoon or uncovered liquid pit anywhere on the yard, select that — even if your new barn uses solid manure.

TOTAL NUTRIENT UNITS

0.0 NU

MINIMUM DISTANCE TO NEAREST HOUSE

0 m

BARN SETBACK TO NEAREST HOUSE

STORAGE SETBACK TO NEAREST HOUSE

0 m

0 m

MINIMUM SETBACK TO PROPERTY LINE

MINIMUM SETBACK TO ROAD

REQUIRED DISTANCE FOR NEW HOUSE BUILDS NEAR YOUR FARM

0 m

0 m

0 m

This result is a planning estimate only. It may help identify whether a proposed barn or manure storage location needs closer review, but it does not confirm compliance.

MDS Is Only One Part of the Review

After checking MDS setbacks or nutrient units, use the decision tool to see whether your project may also require an NMS, NMP, or both.

MDS is only one part of planning a livestock barn or manure storage project. These pages can help you understand nutrient units, NMS requirements, barn planning, costs, and consultant support.

PLANNING TOOLS

NEXT STEPS FOR BARN PROJECTS

Run Your Setback & MDS Numbers

Can I Build a Barn Here?

Check whether a proposed barn location may be constrained by MDS, setbacks, or nearby land uses.

Open tool →

Calculate Nutrient Units

Estimate livestock nutrient units to help determine whether NMS or NMP requirements may be triggered.

Open tool →

MDS FAQs

LandLogic Nutrient Management

Services

Service Areas

Contact