Manitoba's nutrient management regulation prevents farmers from applying fertilizer to their crops prior to April 10, but a change might take place for this year.
Farmers groups in the province have applied for a variance to allow fertilizer application prior to April 10, and meetings between the groups and the province continued yesterday.
According to Melinda German, general manager of the Manitoba Beef Producers, the weather over the next week will affect the outcome of these discussion.
"If we get a big snowfall event, then that will probably slow things down, or if the temperatures drop below freezing again. It's something that the government will monitor and contact us as they see things progressing. Really, it's difficult to say at this time."
Fertilizer is not allowed on crops between November 10 and April 10 under the nutrient management regulation.
Individuals can request a variance if they feel that conditions are suitable for the environmentally responsible application of nutrients.
The province says regulations are in place to protect water quality and encourage responsible nutrient planning.
