By Casey W. Ritz, Ph.D. Extension Poultry Scientist, University of Georgia - The farming environment in which we live is continually changing. Several factors stand out as influences of that change in this day and age: the geographic consolidation of agricultural industries is creating a concentration of agricultural wastes, national public awareness of the environment and pollution has heightened, urban growth is spilling over into our nation’s farmland, and few people understand typical farming practices.
15 August 2005
10 minute read
Coexisting with Neighbors: A Poultry Farmer’s Guide - By Casey W. Ritz, Ph.D.Extension Poultry Scientist, University of Georgia - The farming environment in which we live is continually changing. Several factors stand out as influences of that change in this day and age: the geographic consolidation of agricultural industries is creating a concentration of agricultural wastes, national public awareness of the environment and pollution has heightened, urban growth is spilling over into our nation’s farmland, and few people understand typical farming practices.
All too often people feel that lawsuitsare the only way to settle these conflicts. Each ofthese conditions has an influence on the relationshipbetween farmers and their non-farm neighbors.
Like most livestock enterprises, poultry operationshave to deal with neighbor-related issues on a regularbasis. As the urban community continues to expandinto the rural landscape, conflicts between farm andnon-farm neighbors will increase. Many urbanites whom*ove to the country to get away from urban pressuresare not accustomed to, nor even understanding of,farming practices and “country living” conditions. Theyhave a disconnect as to where their food comes fromand what it takes to get it to their plates. This lack ofknowledge has caused the general public to expectpristine environments and aseptic conditions evenwithin production agriculture systems.
The presence ofdust, odors and insect pests that are normal occurrenceswith farming operations are not on theradar screen of many urbanites who move to a morerural setting seeking “pastoral” living conditions.Problems between neighbors can and do arise as theboundaries between rural and urban life blur. A numberof issues can cause contention between neighbors, oftenthe result of differing viewpoints. From the farmer’spoint of view, increases in road traffic and trash, trespassfrom pets and people, and constraints about normalfarming practices may become an issue. For nonfarmneighbors, dust and odors, insect pests, noise andobstructed views may become sources of irritation.Common complaints of non-farm neighbors include:
- Odors that make them physically ill, forcing them tostay inside with closed windows.
- Not being able to invite friends over because of odorsand insect pests.
While these problems typically surface where humanpopulation is more concentrated, they can ariseeven in the most rural of counties. Neighbors with afarm background or living on a farm themselves canhave the same perception of nuisance toward poultryfarms as those who are new to rural living. They arefamiliar with agricultural conditions on their own farmor surrounding area, may recognize more readily thesource of a particular nuisance, and be less tolerant ofsituations they believe could be improved.
At times neighbor relations become strained as disagreementover issues heats up. Litigation is too oftenseen as the means for relief from these conflicts. Litigation,however, rarely results in a true winner becausethe outcome is often financial cost, physical stress andbroken relationships. Whatever the issue may be, preventingproblems before they cause a contentious situationis the most effective way to minimize neighborconflicts. The old adage “an ounce of prevention isworth a pound of cure” certainly applies to the arena ofneighbor relations.
Conflict prevention measures can be both tangibleand intangible in nature. Communication skills anddisseminating information may be as important asminimizing odors or pests through improved managementpractices. The following are practices and suggestionsthat can help poultry farmers maintain or improveneighbor relations. Proper manure handling practicesare foremost points to consider in avoiding potentialnuisance complaints or court action.
Get to know your neighbors. This is perhaps themost important and simplest action you can take.People are more open to discussion with individualsthey know. Be neighborly and a good listener. As aresult, your neighbors will be more likely to come toyou with a complaint instead of reporting you to anauthority or enforcement agency. A lack of good willbetween neighbors is a contributing factor in mostnuisance complaints.
Operate your poultry farm as if you were the nextdoorneighbor. Try understanding their viewpoint asnon-farm neighbors living in a farming community.Recognize that neighbors have the right to enjoytheir property without the nuisance of flies, odor anddust. Properly maintained and operated poultryfarms do not need to be, and should not be, a nuisanceto neighbors.
Small things matter in maintaining good relationships,such as a wave and a smile. Be particularlymindful of sensitive neighbors. Little gestures offriendliness go a long way toward fortifying goodwill.Reward tolerant neighbors with a token of yourappreciation — perhaps free poultry litter for theirgardens, a neighborhood barbeque, a holiday turkeyor something similar.
Invite neighbors over the fence. “Show and tell” yourfarming operation, explaining the need for somepractices that perhaps are unappealing or objectionable.The general public has no idea of what it takesto put food on their tables.
Screen some things from public view. Since peopleoften “smell” with their eyes, screen from public viewproduction, manure storage and composting facilitieswith the use of tree lines or shelterbelts. Minimizingvisibility helps reduce the suggestion that the farmmight be a source of odor, flies or other nuisances.
Cover manure that is transported on public roadwaysto prevent spillage and blow out. Not only is ita sensible practice toward maintaining good neighborrelations, but most states by law require that anymaterial that can blow out during transport, such aspoultry litter, must be covered and contained.
Cover stored manure in accordance with best managementpractices for nutrient retention and waterquality protection. A stack house structure for storingpoultry litter is the ideal method for coverage. Ifsuch a structure is not available, however, coverlitter with a tarp, keeping it away from roadways,waterways and property lines. Uncovered litter canbe a potential water quality problem.
Be considerate when land applying poultry manure.Poultry manure from well-managed dry productionsystems will have minimal odor, but always considerthe prevailing winds and weather conditions whenspreading manure near neighbors. Allow a little flexibilityin your spreading schedule to accommodateunfavorable spreading conditions. Windy or wetconditions can displace nutrients from where theywere intended, causing poor fertilization uniformityand potential contamination problems on adjacentproperties. Incorporate manure into the soil whereverand whenever possible to maximize the fertilizationbenefits from the available nutrients and tominimize odor dispersion and potential nutrientrunoff due to storm water.
Land apply manure in the morning hours to allowfor greater odor dissipation and manure dryingthroughout the day. Applying manure in the lateafternoon and evening hours allows the still night airto trap and spread odors close to the ground, acommon complaint of poultry farm neighbors.
Inform neighbors when you intend to spreadmanure. Be willing to be flexible with your spreadingschedule to avoid disrupting special occasionssuch as a backyard wedding, family reunion, etc.Maintain no-spread buffer zones at the property lineand avoid spreading on weekends or holidays whenneighbors are more likely to be out-of-doors.
Keep manure, feed and other organic materialaround poultry facilities as dry as possible. Wetmaterials generate more odors and flies than dothose that are kept dry. Clean up spilled feed andmanure around the facilities and roadways to preventan increase of flies, rodents, and odors.
Make your farm appealing. The appearance of thefarm plays an important part in what others in thecommunity think of you and your farming operation.Eyesores create less goodwill and public sympathy ifproblems arise. Farm appearance can easily be construedas a reflection of a farmer’s professionalism,competence and concern for neighborhood conditions.
Maintain property line fences. Sage advice continuesto hold true that “good fences make for good neighbors.”
Develop manure and odor control managementplans. Make sure all employees understand theimportance of appropriate manure handling and odorcontrol. Use manure management practices thatreduce the release of offensive odors such as compostingor transfer of excess manure off the farm.Maintain records of manure application rates andtiming as evidence of adhering to appropriate BestManagement Practices for manure use.
Communicate plans for new construction or expansionwith neighbors. Show how you have taken theirconcerns about manure management and odor controlinto consideration. At times this may go furtherthan just being neighborly; it may actually be arequirement where county ordinances stipulate theneed for a public hearing or comment period prior toconstruction or expansion.
Give prompt and genuine responses to complaints orproblems when they arise. Be sympathetic andunderstanding of neighbors’ concerns and avoidbeing uncaring or arrogant. Sometimes it is better tobite your tongue to do what is best for your farmover the long term. Ignoring issues, whether you feelthey are relevant or not, can quickly drive a neighborto seek legal action. Maintaining open lines ofcommunication will always help resolve issues whenthey arise. Inform your poultry company of anypotential nuisance situations with a neighbor andseek their advice on the issue. Solving the problemmay be as simple as making a management change.
Consider new alternatives and technologies formanure handling and odor control. A small investmentnow may prevent large legal expenses later on.
Comply with applicable federal, state and localenvironmental regulations. Don’t give neighborslegal reason to investigate or sue over environmentalinfractions.
Conduct an environmental self assessment similar tothe University of Georgia Farm*A*Syst program, orhave a third party help you identify environmentalconcerns before they become a nuisance or legalproblem.
Be active in the community. Better educate thepublic by supporting agricultural education activitiesand outreach programs. Be active with the local government,promoting pro-agriculture public opinion,legislation and regulation. Get to know your localrepresentatives and community decision makers andkeep them informed about your business.
While applying these steps may not prevent someonefrom taking legal action against your farmingoperation, they can encourage taking reasonable precautions,help control how the farm operates, and assistwith neighbor relationships and fostering of goodreport within the community. Then, should problemsarise, your reputation as a conscientious neighbor willenhance the resolution of conflicts.
Developing and improving neighbor relations canbe one of the most important activities that help farmingoperations survive in our changing rural environment.By helping neighbors understand the activitiesassociated with agriculture, farmers may help shapehow they feel about agricultural practices and avertneedless conflicts and animosity. Treating neighborswith concern and respect will help ensure continuationof appropriate, responsible farming practices in thefuture.
References and Resources
Bokhari, S. 1989. Ten ways to minimize nuisance complaints. California Poultry Letter. University of California at Davis, Cooperative Extension Service.
Hamilton, N.D. 1992. A livestock producer’s legal guide to: nuisance, land use control, and environmental law. Drake University Agricultural Law Center Press.
Hilchey, D., and N. Leonard. 1996. Cultivating farm, neighbor, and community relations. Farming Alternatives Program, Community Agriculture Development Series, Cornell University.
Kelsey, T.W., and C.W. Abdalla. 1996. Good neighbor relations: advice and tips from farmers. ThePennsylvania State University, Publications Distribution Center.
Source: University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension service - April 2005
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