Two documents that sound similar but serve very different purposes. Here's what you need to know.
Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS)
Nutrient Management Strategies (NMS) and Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) are both required under Ontario's Nutrient Management Act, but they cover different aspects of farm nutrient management. Here's a simple breakdown.
NMS — Strategy
-
Covers nutrient generation and storage
-
Required for barn builds and expansions
-
Focuses on livestock housing and manure storage
-
Triggered at 5+ nutrient units
-
Must be approved before construction
NMP — Plan
-
Covers nutrient land application
-
Required for larger operations
-
Focuses on application rates, timing, and setbacks
-
Triggered at 300+ nutrient units
-
Includes soil testing and field planning
Simple Comparison
Feature
NMS
NMP
Focus
Generation & storage
Land application
Trigger
5+ nutrient units
300+ nutrient units
Common reason
Barn build / Expansion
Large operation
Covers
Barn, storage design
Soil testing, application
Approval
OMAFA
OMAFA
Do I Need One or Both?
If you're building a barn or expanding livestock and your operation is under 300 nutrient units, you likely need only an NMS. If you're above 300 nutrient units, you'll likely need both. Check our detailed guide or use our decision tool.
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?