Maybe your farm is located in an area where you can see for miles and miles with no other farms or businesses in sight. More likely, though, there is at least one house within eye shot. Some neighbors may be retired farmers or long-time residents who know your farm well, but when new people move to the area, there can be potential gaps in communication and their understanding of general farming practices.
We know what we need to do to care for our animals and crops, but when our actions may impact other people, we need to think of our neighbors, too.
In a Virginia Cooperative Extension publication, extension specialist Jactone Arogo Ogejo offered advice on managing manure with neighbor relations in mind.
“Animal production creates several potential nuisances, including odors, flies, noise, and dust. You need to be fully aware of these nuisances and your neighbors’ possible concerns,” wrote Ogejo.
As rural America becomes more urbanized, it is more common for nonfarm communities to complain about farming practices they feel affect their quality of life. This means farmers must think about these concerns when making manure handling decisions.
Lines of communication
To help build better relations in the neighborhood, Ogejo recommended getting to know your neighbors. This includes individuals as well as schools, churches, hospitals, and golf courses that may now appear in the rural landscape. Work proactively to avoid tense relationships between these people or businesses in the future.
“How you handle business on your farm may impact how you resolve conflicts related to your farm,” Ogejo wrote.
Next, Ogejo said to recognize the challenges farmers can face. It is a simple fact that animals concentrated near nonagricultural residents will produce odor and visual issues that may raise concerns. Without good relationships, there may be little communication between a farmer and their neighbors.
“This can create situations for misunderstanding and a greater likelihood that conflicts will occur,” he wrote.
“Do not let issues concerning your manure management get out of control,” he advised. “Be proactive in talking to your neighbors. Implement responsible farm management practices while conducting activities that promote the benefits of the farm to neighbors and the community.”
Open the doors
To improve the perception of your farm by neighbors and the local community, consider stepping up your outreach efforts. Host tours on your farm and explain what you do and why you do it. Perhaps you have products made on your farm you can share with neighbors, or you can offer services that make their lives easier, such as mowing brush or plowing snow.
“Outreach to community, open houses, and neighborly assistance can help cultivate open communication and understanding between the farming and nonfarming communities,” Ogejo emphasized.
When it comes to manure application, Ogejo reiterated the benefit of being proactive. Let them know when you plan to apply manure, and try to avoid application when it will conflict with a special event, such as a party at their property.
“People are much more accommodating if issues are addressed ahead of time, even if it is something they do not particularly like,” he shared. “In most cases, people will give you more latitude with something they do not like if you make a good faith effort to deal with their concerns about your farming operation.”
It is also helpful to maintain relationships with local leaders. For example, before starting a big project on the farm, let local authorities know the plan and answer their questions.
Once completed, Ogejo suggested holding an open house so neighbors and local leaders can see the new project and visit your farm. The hope is that this creates better relations down the road.
“It is more difficult to carry a disagreement with someone you know and are friendly with or who has made a first move to get to know you,” Ogejo said.
Put your best foot forward
Lastly, Ogejo reminded, “Many times, people tend to smell with their eyes more than their noses.” This underscores the importance of maintaining a neat facility with clean animals, well-tended crops, buildings, and machinery in good repair. What meets the eye can make a lasting impression.
“It is not always possible to prevent all farm odors, but if people are presented with the picture of a clean, orderly, well-managed farm, they will tolerate more actual odor than from a farm that looks untidy,” Ogejo wrote.
This article appeared in the February 2025 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on pages 16-17. Not a subscriber? Click to get the print magazine.
