Large-scale dairy operations: assessing concerns of neighbors about quality-of-life issues

An increasing number of large-scale dairy operations are being built across the United States. Many of the neighbors of proposed large-scale dairy operations are upset at how dairies will affect their quality of life. We assessed the intensity of these concerns at least 1 yr after 2 new dairies began operation. Surveys (n = 275) were mailed to collect data. The opinions (n = 64) of those living close to large-scale dairy operations were compared with those of individuals in control groups (n = 38) living at least 8 km away. There were no significant differences between groups and no complaints had been received, suggesting that quality-of-life issues are specious with regard to properly managed large-scale dairy operations with 700 or fewer cows. We recommend the following for future policy decisions: Large-scale dairy operations should be located in areas where there are few, if any, current neighbors and where future residential development is least likely to occur. Conducting longitudinal studies at intervals of 3 and 5 yr of operation involving these same issues could determine whether any changes in reaction have occurred since this study.