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.
How They Work Together
The NMS covers how nutrients are generated and stored (barn design, manure storage, livestock capacity). The NMP covers how nutrients are applied to land (application rates, timing, setbacks, soil testing). Together, they form a complete nutrient management program for your operation.
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.
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?