Nuisance concerns and odor control

Nuisance and odor control continue to be major challenges to livestock and poultry producers across the country. Dust and flies are the two most frequently mentioned nuisances after odors. Research and testing have devised systems that are capable of achieving reduced frequency and intensity of odors, flies, and dust; however, these systems are typically more expensive to build and operate than is the standard lagoon holding basin. Producers who operate close to sensitive odor perception sites are at a clear disadvantage to those located in more remote locations. In addition to the cost factor is the uncertainty associated with nuisance and odor control. Some dairies are able to co-exist with their neighbors despite frequent odor detection, but others find that their neighbors demonstrate much less tolerance. Odor control additives, either fed or applied to the manure, have generally been less than fully successful. Careful site selection, appropriate facility design, flawless management, and a generous amount of positive local relations have proved to be the most effective means of avoiding cost from odor confrontations.