CAAR advises all Manitoba members that due to current environment conditions and forecasted overnight temperatures dropping below -10°C, Manitoba Sustainable Development, with input from multiple provincial agriculture stakeholders, will not be implementing a variance to the November 10, 2018 to April 10, 2019 Restrictions on Winter Applications of Nutrients.

The restriction applies to nutrient sources containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus, including synthetic fertilizer and livestock manure. Manitoba Sustainable Development will continue to monitor environmental conditions and seek input of provincial agriculture stakeholders. In the event of regional changes of environmental conditions, a regional variation to the restriction may be considered.

Individual Variances

When a regional/province-wide variance has not been issued for the winter application of nutrients and an individual producer believes their soil/weather conditions should be considered for a variance, agricultural producers must contact staff in the Nutrient Management Regulation program at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (204) 945-0002.

If an individual wishes to make a formal request for a variance, the request must be provided in writing by a Professional Agrologist or Certified Crop Adviser and signed by the producer.

The request must include soil test results and recommended nutrient application through broadcast/incorporation or injection only.
More information about requesting individual variances can be found here.

Emergency Manure Situations

At any time throughout the winter, emergency manure situations may occur. Pursuant to Section 14(4) of the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation (M.R. 42/98), the director may authorize winter application of manure due to an emergency situation or extenuating circumstance.

Manitoba Retail Input

CAAR will continue to seek input from Manitoba Ag Retailers as environmental conditions change and will identify opportunities to recommend regional variances to Manitoba Sustainable Development.

To submit your input for consideration, please forward all comments including status of fall fertilizer application and regional environment condition changes with the subject line “Variance” to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More Information

Complete details of Manitoba Sustainable Development, Restrictions on Winter Applications of Nutrients can be found here. or by contacting Environmental Approvals Branch at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (204) 391-0540 or (204) 945-3078.