When Do You Need Both?
In many cases, Ontario farmers who are building or expanding livestock facilities will need both a Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) and a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Here's how to know if both apply to your situation.
You Likely Need Both If:
You're building or expanding a barn AND your operation exceeds 300 nutrient units
Your expansion will push your operation above the 300 nutrient unit threshold
You're constructing new manure storage AND applying nutrients to land from a large operation
OMAFRA has indicated both are required based on your specific circumstances
The Key Threshold: 300 Nutrient Units
The 300 nutrient unit threshold is the primary factor that determines whether you need an NMP in addition to an NMS. If your farm generates 300 or more nutrient units, you will typically need both documents.
Not sure how many nutrient units your operation generates? Check our Nutrient Units guide or contact us and we'll calculate it for you.
NMS vs NMP: What Each Document Covers
Nutrient Management Strategy
Livestock housing
Manure generation
Manure storage
Nutrient units
Farmstead information
Barn build or expansion approval support
Nutrient Management Plan
Manure application
Field-by-field nutrient planning
Crop nutrient needs
Soil test information
Land base review
Application timing and setbbacks
What Does It Cost If I Need a NMS or NMP?
New barn NMS projects typically start around $750–$950 + HST. Typical NMS and NMP pricing depends on the type of project. A simple new barn NMS is usually less involved than a full NMS + NMP package with multiple fields, manure sources, or storage complexity.
Start With the Basics
If you are not sure whether your project requires an NMS, NMP, or both, start by estimating nutrient units and reviewing the type of project you are planning.
Advanced Preliminary MDS Screening Tool
Estimate planning-level MDS setbacks for barn and manure storage before choosing a final site.
MDS I & MDS II Explained
Learn the difference between MDS I and MDS II and when each applies to barn planning or nearby land uses.
Nutrient Management Consultant
Need help determining whether your farm needs one document or both? Get practical project-specific support.
Building a Barn in Ontario
Review the main planning steps for barn projects, including MDS, nutrient units, manure storage, and approvals.
Nutrient Management Strategy
Building or expanding livestock may trigger a Nutrient Management Strategy. Learn when an NMS may be required.
Typical NMS/NMP Costs
See typical pricing ranges for new barn NMS, livestock expansion NMS, Nutrient Management Plans, and NMS + NMP Packages.
Use the Tools
Can I Build a Barn Here?
Check whether a proposed barn location may be constrained by MDS, setbacks, or nearby land uses.
Calculate Nutrient Units
Estimate livestock nutrient units to help determine whether NMS or NMP requirements may be triggered.
Not Sure Which One Applies?
Many farms start with one question but end up needing to check nutrient units, manure storage, land base, MDS setbacks, and whether the project is a new build, expansion, or land application issue.
Advanced MDS Calculator
Estimate planning-level MDS setbacks for barn and manure storage before choosing a final site.
MDS I & MDS II Explained
Learn the difference between MDS I and MDS II and when each applies to barn planning or nearby land uses.
Nutrient Management Consultant
Need help determining whether your farm needs one document or both? Get practical project-specific support.
Building a Barn in Ontario
Review the main planning steps for barn projects, including MDS, nutrient units, manure storage, and approvals.
Nutrient Management Strategy
Building or expanding livestock may trigger a Nutrient Management Strategy. Learn when an NMS may be required.
Typical NMS/NMP Costs
See typical pricing ranges for new barn NMS, livestock expansion NMS, Nutrient Management Plans, and NMS + NMP Packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an NMS to build a barn in Ontario?
What are nutrient units and how does this relate to livestock?
When do I need both an NMS and an NMP?
How long does approval of a NMS or NMP take?