Improve neighbor relations

Shannon Potter, Extension Educator; Lori Lynch, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist; Jessica Jones, Student; University of Maryland

There is something you can do to manage or avoid farmer-nonfarmer conflicts. Let other farmers advise you about creating and maintaining positive relationships with nonfarm neighbors. Learn from their experiences and follow their advice about being a good farm neighbor.

Through surveys, Maryland farmers have identified four areas of concern. Problems between farmers and their nonfarm neighbors occur when nonfarm neighbors:

1. lack farm awareness

2. trespass and disregard property rights

3. raise health and environmental concerns

4. increase traffic congestion on rural roads

Issue 1: Increasing farm awareness
Farmers agree the general public does not understand farm production. Nonfarmers are unaware of crop cycles, livestock management and the farm business. Many nonfarmers know little about where and how their food is produced. This unawareness causes neighbors to make wrong assumptions and harbor misconceptions about farming.

Increase farm awareness by:

1. Communication
Talk directly to your nonfarm neighbors. Communication is your most effective tool for educating them about farming. Informal neighborly discussions are a great way to discuss your farm and its operations.

2. Community involvement
Interact with your community by providing direct services or by taking part in meetings, local boards or other organizations. Interacting with neighbors is a good way to improve relationships.

3. Farm visits and farm eduction
Offer on-farm tours, educational visits and open houses. You’ll be able to meet members of the public, and they’ll learn about what it takes to manage a successful agricultural operation. If you don’t want to open your farm, visiting schools, fairs, clubs and Scout groups is another way of increasing farm awareness.

Issue 2: Reducing trespassing and protecting property rights
Farms and farmland are private property, even though the open space may look to some like a public or recreational area. Trespassers not only put themselves in danger, but they also may cause damage to a crop, the soil or the management of the land.

Reduce trespassing and protect property rights by:

1. Use of boundaries
Establish clearly marked boundaries that indicate where public property ends and private land begins.

2. Warnings of danger
Erect signs that inform the public about the presence of animals or other dangers which put trespassers on notice.

3. Communication
Discuss boundaries and crop production schedules with neighbors so they understand chemical applications and crop planting.

Issue 3: Easing health and environmental concerns
Many standard farm practices involve animal odors, fertilizers and pesticides. These unfamiliar sights and smells often raise health, safety and environmental concerns in the nonfarming community.
Ease neighbors’ health and environmental concerns by:

1. Consistency
Establish a routine and inform the community about your routine. This allows your neighbors to expect specific practices on certain days or at certain times of the year.

2. Observing regulations
Maintain appropriate licensing, records and regulatory guidelines. By doing this you help ensure your neighbors’ health and safety as well as your own.

3. Providing information early or when requested
Inform the community of your practices and the reasons for doing them. Doing this alleviates and often prevents misconceptions and incorrect assumptions.

Issue 4: Easing traffic congestion on rural roads
The increased congestion on rural roads, which are often narrow and not well-maintained, presents challenges for farms moving equipment and for commuters traveling to school and work.
Ease traffic congestion on rural roads by:

1. Awareness of traffic flow
Monitor your neighborhood for times of increased or decreased traffic. By moving equipment between fields during times of low traffic you avoid inconveniences to yourself and others.

2. Establishing a schedule
Maintain consistent schedules, which enables neighbors to adjust their commuting times as necessary.

3. Using signage
Warn other drivers of hazards. Provide signs that inform them about maximum miles per hour and width of vehicle. This may help reduce the potential for accidents.

Population and land development will continue to increase. Farmers can best prepare for the resulting growth and expansion by recognizing the issues and fostering good farm relations. PD

References omitted but are available upon request.

—From University of Maryland Extension website