Thanks to “unusually late” fall weather conditions, Manitoba’s requirements for permits to burn crop residue will stretch through to Dec. 3.
The permit program, which typically runs until mid-November, requires authorizations for daytime burning of crop residue.
The authorizations are issued for certain daylight hours and in certain areas of the province, particularly around Winnipeg, based on weather, moisture and favourable conditions for smoke to quickly and safely disperse.
Night burning of crop residue, rights-of-way, ditches, native pastures and waste areas remains banned year-round.
Burning permit application forms and information are available from the provincial ag department’s GO offices, online or by toll-free phone at 800-265-1233.
Stubble burning regulations are enforced by provincial environment officers and the RCMP. Violations can lead to fines of over $2,300.
The province, in its announcement Tuesday, noted incentives have been set up through the federal/provincial Growing Forward ag policy funding framework to encourage farmers to move away from stubble burning. Alternatives for crop residue management are listed online.
