Neighbor and Nuisance Issues
As non-farm residents are moving closer to and are more mindful of agricultural operations, even legal disposal methods can become an issue if you do not consider the impact on your neighbors.
Odors associated with agriculture are often the root of many conflicts or complaints. Did you know that people smell with their eyes? A cleaner, neater farm will usually generate fewer complaints about odors than a poorly managed facility that appears messy. It is best to keep a visual screen such as tree buffers around farm buildings, burial holes, incinerators and mortality disposal facilities in order to minimize complaints. It is also a good neighbor practice to make sure mortality composting or burial sites have at least the required two (2) feet of cover. This prevents bio-security hazards for you and your neighbors, such as a neighbor’s dog carrying portions of dead animals back to your neighbor’s porch, and prevents the vultures from circling.
