Nuisance and Odor Issues in Broiler Production: A Case Study

Recent expansion of the broiler industry in Texas resulted in an opportunity to experience and mitigate a number of nuisance and odor issues related to broiler production. For the sake of this discussion, the participants in these issues are divided into 3 groups: the poultry industry; the nonpoultry citizenry; and government, regulatory, and educational agencies. Establishment of a broiler complex in an area with little exposure to commercial poultry production resulted in a concerned nonpoultry citizenry. This was often exacerbated by misinformation, external influences, and poor communications, resulting in a less-than-optimum level of trust between the nonpoultry citizenry and the poultry industry. Early in the process, the poultry industry attempted to provide information and open communication with the nonpoultry citizenry; however, establishment of bias within the nonpoultry citizenry eroded trust and cooperation to the point that effective communication was difficult. Throughout this period, government, regulatory, and educational agencies were involved in investigations of complaints, facilitation of communication, and development of policy. Over a 2-yr period these activities resulted in a special legislative appropriation to investigate odor and nuisance issues related to broiler production. This investigation and other agency activities resulted in the development of regulatory policy that required all broiler producers to develop comprehensive nutrient management plans. Although these plans are primarily concerned with water quality and environmental issues, the nonpoultry citizenry was willing to accept this step as a means to assure that poultry facilities would be operated in compliance with best management practices. As a result, the poultry industry now had specific policy and guidelines for dealing with environmental issues, and the nonpoultry citizenry had assurance that the broiler operations would be held to a standard of operation. At this time, the level of communication and trust between all parties is greatly improved.