Fewer nuisance lawsuits were filed against livestock operations in Iowa in the last two years—two in 2004 and three in 2005.
Fewer nuisance lawsuits were filed against livestock operations in Iowa in the last two years—two in 2004 and three in 2005. By comparison, 13 cases were filed in 2003, according to Eldon McAfee, legal counsel to the Iowa Pork Producers Association. McAfee reviewed the scene for the livestock industry at the Iowa Pork Congress in February.
McAfee cautions producers that they may be liable for a nuisance suit even though they meet or exceed all applicable environmental and other requirements, and use the best technology.
Farmers can work to avoid nuisance suits by being a good neighbor, by informing neighbors of proposed new livestock buildings, and by working to place it in the best location posing the least interference with others.
