Neighbors Feedlot

gsganzer · Oct 19, 2006

I'm not one to normally complain about what someone does on their property, but I have to vent this one. I live on a 3.5 acre lot, as does my next door neighbor. Recently I've counted 10 horses and 12 cattle on his little spread, these are mainly confined to some run-out pens on about 2 acres. Needless to say, things are beginning to get a little rank. Especially the cattle pen. He just added a few more cattle 2 weeks ago and I'm not sure if this is just a temporary holding spot before he puts them on some leased land or if he's feeding them out. The fact of the matter is that it's beginning to look and smell like a feedlot with that many animals on one spot. It's also starting to affect the water quality in our other neighbors 1 acre pond, now that we've had some rain and some run-off.

I'll give him another week, to see if the additional cattle are temporary, before I say something to him. We're on good terms and it's not a problem to express my concerns to him. This past summer we suffered from flies pretty bad because of the number of cattle he had (cattle seem to attract flies more then horses). I don't want to repeat that again.

Does 22 animals on 2 acres sound excessive to anyone else?

MikeD74T · Oct 19, 2006

How did lots of less than 100 acres ever get started in Texas? MikeD74T

Farmwithjunk · Oct 19, 2006

I'm assuming you're in a rural area as opposed to a metro area. There might not be much you can do from that standpoint.

22 animals on 2 acres SHORT TERM isn't unheard of, but not something commonly done. That would require a certain level of knowledge to do safely, maintaining animal health.

There are accepted standards with-in most states on how a commercial feedlot can operate. NONcommercial is less restricted.

My first thought was, which one of you was there first? If he was operating, even a smaller operation, before you arrived on scene, he may have a leg to stand on.

How long has the neighbor been "in business"? (assuming he's actually a "farmer") RIGHT TO FARM laws can stop you dead in your tracks if he uses them correctly.

I'd contact your area Humane Society to get their take on what conditions are acceptable. I'd do so on an "off the record" manner.

Not being critical of anyone in particular, but why do people move to the country, then object when typical "country" activities no longer seem so attractive?

gsganzer · Oct 19, 2006

Farmwithjunk said:
Not being critical of anyone in particular, but why do people move to the country, then object when typical "country" activities no longer seem so attractive?

I don't have a problem with "country activities" in the slightest way. But when you live in a residential neighborhood (albiet, generous lot sizes) keeping 22 animals in various pens is a little on the excessive side. Waste and odor are a problem with animals that concentrated. It will be a problem in the warmer months. (that's why I suspect and hope this is temporary regarding the number of cattle)

This is an issue that will be easily and neighborly resolved between us. (It's not an issue, as much as a concern) It's not an issue of who was there first (actually I was) or what the county allows etc. I'm just wondering what other peoples take is on this.

Rusty · Oct 19, 2006

I know that my situation does not apply to your concern, but since you asked. My township (combination of zoned agricultural, commercial, and residential) requires five acres for one "domesticated" animal (such as: horse, cow, sheep, pig, etc.). After five acres, you need one additional acre for each additional "domesticated" animal (dogs and cats are excluded). There is also a one hundred foot setback from any adjoining property line or street right-of-way for "any building or confined feeding area (other than open pasture area for grazing)." One of the adjacent townships requires twenty acres for any number of "domesticated" animals. Some near-by townships that are predominately agricultural have no requirements. Again, I know this does not apply. My best wishes on resolving your concern!

Highbeam · Oct 19, 2006

Not unheard of. Don't veal lockers put cows into a much denser arrangement?

CharlieTR · Oct 19, 2006

What is the zoning? The right to farm will matter a good deal, but maybe there are ways around that if there is a health hazard.
Talking to him as you said would be best, he may not like that situation either.

EddieWalker · Oct 19, 2006

Do you have any deed restictions on the lots? I've seen parcels that allow only horses and how many horses per acre. One of my favorites was a lot that allowed horses, cows and goats, but no pigs. It's usualy written out pretty clearly, but since you asked the question, I'm gonna assume you don't have any restrictions.

If it was me, I'd be over there today. Another week is just that much longer you'll have to suffer the smell and that much longer the bugs get a chance to get established. We weather with warm days can lead to some pretty spectacular birth of flies and other bugs!!!!

How about some pictures?

Eddie

gsganzer · Oct 19, 2006

EddieWalker said:
Do you have any deed restictions on the lots? I've seen parcels that allow only horses and how many horses per acre. One of my favorites was a lot that allowed horses, cows and goats, but no pigs.
Eddie

Yep, we have the "pig" restriction. Actually our restrictions are pretty decent.

No pigs
No more than 3 dogs
No "manufactured" homes
House facade must be brick or stone veneer

That's it for restrictions, just about right to keep things from getting out of hand IMO.

Part of the problem is that the cows are in one pen that's only about 20' x 150'. I'm just hoping that he's not planning on feeding out 10 cows until slaughter. That's really not appropriate in our little area where the neighbors get subjected to the flies and smell. I don't have a problem with someone feeding out a cow or two, but this is just a tad too many for the area.

There place is completely devoid of any grass. It's bare dirt/mud.

MikePA · Oct 20, 2006

I agree with calling the local humane society. Based on the 'animal police' shows I've seen on TV (wife loves them), this is something they can take care of.

roxynoodle · Oct 20, 2006

I have Ag zoning and no restrictions on the type or how many animals. Cattle and horses are both large animals and that is probably too many in such a small area unless it is cleaned daily. I have a friend with 2 horses, about 25 goats, 2 calves and maybe 10 sheep on a 5 acre lot. The animals probably have about 3 acres of it. The pens are always clean and there is no offensive odor despite the large number of animals. If the animals are all healthy, have sufficient amounts of groceries and trimmed hooves, maybe just his being able to keep them cleaner would be beneficial to everyone. What is he doing with all the manure?

wushaw · Oct 21, 2006

10 horses and 12 cows on two acres is a feed lot...maybe for both.
You need to talk to him and if that doesn't work call the humane society.

Kubotasrking · Nov 10, 2006

If foul smells offend, moving to town is an option...I'm sure there are some sort of restrictions preventing the ownership of livestock there.

I'm all for the neighborly solution originally suggested.

For those who think involving the government is the solution...maybe one day they'll condemn your property and purchase it under eminent domain so they can in turn sell it to a developer for condos. We all may think it inconvenient to smell cow manure when we come out of our McMansions....but I've got news for ya...that's rural living.

Thanks for the opportunity to rant.

turbo36 · Nov 10, 2006

Kubotasrking said:
If foul smells offend, moving to town is an option...I'm sure there are some sort of restrictions preventing the ownership of livestock there.

I'm all for the neighborly solution originally suggested.

For those who think involving the government is the solution...maybe one day they'll condemn your property and purchase it under eminent domain so they can in turn sell it to a developer for condos. We all may think it inconvenient to smell cow manure when we come out of our McMansions....but I've got news for ya...that's rural living.

Thanks for the opportunity to rant.

So you wouldn't have a problem with your next door neighbor starting up a rendering operation?

EddieWalker · Nov 10, 2006

Kubotasrking said:
Thanks for the opportunity to rant.

Did you read the thread?

It's always interesting when somebody feels the need to "rant" without any consideration to the question asked, nor offer any help or advice.

What's wrong with making your home a "McMansion?"

Eddie

scott_vt · Nov 10, 2006

Rusty said:
I know that my situation does not apply to your concern, but since you asked. My township (combination of zoned agricultural, commercial, and residential) requires five acres for one "domesticated" animal (such as: horse, cow, sheep, pig, etc.). After five acres, you need one additional acre for each additional "domesticated" animal (dogs and cats are excluded). There is also a one hundred foot setback from any adjoining property line or street right-of-way for "any building or confined feeding area (other than open pasture area for grazing)." One of the adjacent townships requires twenty acres for any number of "domesticated" animals. Some near-by townships that are predominately agricultural have no requirements. Again, I know this does not apply. My best wishes on resolving your concern!

Mornin Rusty,
Boy that seems awfully strict ! My property is approx 660 x 660 along with a 30 ft wide strip of my driveway that goes through the neighbors property.I also own that strip, not a ROW. My parcel is small in relation to most of my neighbors, but to think that I could only have 6 animals on my spread with that amount of space seems awfully strict to me

But then again I dont live in Michigan

But to be fair we are predominately AG in this local.

Kubotasrking · Nov 10, 2006

EddieWalker said:
Did you read the thread?

It's always interesting when somebody feels the need to "rant" without any consideration to the question asked, nor offer any help or advice.

What's wrong with making your home a "McMansion?"

Eddie

You must have missed the part where I stated I was in favor of the original posters "neighborly" solution....

I've nothing against a McMansion, after all, that property belongs to someone and it's theirs. I do think it interesting that some think they have better ideas on how another should use their property.

The reference was to the person who spent their entire life in a city who moves to the "pretty country" and proceeds to presume that it shouldn't have any manure smells. When it does, they want to involve some agency or another to strongarm their neighbor into complying with their vision of what the country is....but, then again, I'm born and raised in the middle of nowhere so my perspective will obviously be that of country boy.