What can be done to minimize the conflicts between residential landowners living near (within 300’ in some instances) a concentrated animal operation? There are problems both real and perceived with odors, flies, noise, dust, visual impairment, and normal agricultural activities. There is information on the effects of windbreaks from the Midwest that needs to be adapted to the east where space is limited. Several agencies are working with concentrated animal operations and these efforts need to be put together in a conservation system to address all problems. This includes composting, nutrient management, mortality disposal, and conservation planning as related to air quality management.

A group was organized to establish several windbreak demonstration sites to evaluate potential benefits for windbreaks and air quality. Initially, we were dealing with poultry operations but expanded to all concentrated animal operations.

Penn State Cooperative Extension Service

Penn State Department of Horticulture

Penn State Department of Poultry Science

Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry

Volunteers – (Penn State University Students & private citizens)

USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service (Pennsylvania)

USDA –Natural Resources Conservation Service Big Flats Plant Material Center

Wenger Feeds (Private Industry)

Berks Conservation District

Agricultural Producers