2002 Annual Report
Extension and Outreach
Livestock and Poultry Odor Workshops
Kevin Janni, Professor and Extension
Engineer
Larry Jacobson, Professor, Head, and Extension Engineer
David Schmidt, Assistant Extension Engineer
Jun Zhu, Assistant Professor
Kathy Norlien, Research Scientist, Minnesota Department of Health
Tina Rosenstein, Nicollet County Environmental Services Director
Objective
To provide community leaders, livestock producers, and concerned citizens
with the best science-based information available on how livestock odors
are generated, measured, described, and controlled.
Program Description
Livestock and poultry odors are a concern in many communities throughout
Minnesota. Many communities and local units of government are developing
and reviewing policies and ordinances related to livestock to address
concerns about odors, other environmental concerns, and the social and
economic impact of animal agriculture. Two separate livestock and poultry
odor workshops were developed and presented at two locations in Minnesota.
A manual was updated from the 2001workshop manual. Workshop I was an introduction
to odor and air quality issues and covered odor measurement and monitoring,
factors affecting livestock odor emissions, set back estimation, community
relations, and highlights of numerous odor control technologies. Workshop
II was more technical, with opportunities to work through practical problems.
It covered odor management plans, estimating setback distances, biofilter
design, and covers for manure storage units.
Outcomes
A total of 95 people attended Workshop I. Evaluations by attendees were very positive and all indicated that they thought that the time and money spent on Workshop I was a good investment. In all, 99 people attended Workshop II. Evaluations indicated that Workshop II was also a good investment of time and money. Overall the two workshops were an outstanding success. The debate on odors and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and the rural communities continues. The workshops provided the department a direct outlet for some of our odor research. They also provided us with an opportunity to hear firsthand about some of the odor problems and challenges that the participants had experienced and were dealing with in their communities. This exchange is expected to improve our research and Extension activities.