Manitoba Agriculture reminds producers who choose to burn crop residue that authorization is required beginning Aug. 1 until Nov. 15. Daily authorizations are issued by 11am based on weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Night burning continues to be banned year-round.
The daily authorization will indicate if burning is permitted or not, and the start and end times allowed for that day. These depend on weather conditions and can change. Depending on conditions, burning may not be authorized for the entire province.
In addition, a burning permit is required at all times in the rural municipalities of Rosser, Headingley, St. François Xavier, Cartier, Macdonald, Ritchot, Taché, Springfield, East St. Paul and West St. Paul. The City of Winnipeg is responsible for issuing permits to farms located within its boundaries. Farmers must follow all other provincial and local regulations when burning crop residue.
Burning permit applications and more information are available from the toll-free information line at 1-800-265-1233, online or from Manitoba Agriculture offices.
Manitoba’s controlled burning program was introduced to protect public health and safety while allowing farmers to deal with difficult straw management problems. Farmers must ensure they burn crop residue safely. The regulation is enforced by environment officers and the RCMP, and penalties for failing to comply can result in fines of up to $50,000.
Many producers use alternative methods of dealing with crop residue, such as chopping and spreading the straw or listing straw they have for sale on the Manitoba Hay Listing Service. More information on these practices is available by calling 204-745-5646 or on the Manitoba Agriculture’s website.
