LACOMBE, Alta. – For some rural Albertans, the best place for the neighbor’s pig farm is in Saskatchewan.
Despite government approved codes of practice on manure disposal, water use and distance from neighbors, some people insist a hog barn should be as far away from them as possible, said agricultural engineer Rich Smith.
That attitude has some pork producers wondering how they can join the province’s drive to double hog production.
At a recent seminar here, 100 people were told about huge global demand for pork. Alberta Agriculture is encouraging processors and bankers to consider doubling pork production.
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That dream is easier said than done back on the farm.
Joffre, Alta. farmer Glen Sharp said the county of Lacombe produces more hogs than anywhere else in the province, but local politicians hold expansion back.
“Expansion in existing areas must be addressed,” he said.
Gary Shaw of Lacombe said a code of practice for the industry is a good idea. However, the code put together several years ago was never intended as a planning document.
“Guidelines are beneficial but they provide politicians with a crutch. Guidelines have been accepted as hard and fast rules,” he said at the meeting.
Representing Alberta Agriculture, Smith agreed with the concerns.
“How will municipalities treat these very large, intensive operations? I think some municipalities won’t want them.”
In Alberta the final decision on whether a farmer is granted a permit rests with local authorities because they are most familiar with their community.
Farmers are asking for consistency in the way rules are applied in granting permits. They would prefer straightforward regulations across the province with a consistent set of steps to receive approval to build, said Smith.
Land not suited for farming
Alberta has vast areas of land not suitable for farming.
“Where it’s good for people, it’s good for livestock,” said Smith.
Conflict occurs when the neighbors say an intensive livestock operation housing poultry, hogs or a cattle feedlot is not the kind of rural development they want in their community.
People living in rural areas including farmers are worried about the effect a large operation like a pig farm will have on air quality with increased dust and the smell of manure, water supplies and water quality as well as the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Smith said a neat, tidy site will go a long way to convince people it is a clean operation.
“We are still at a point where we can prevent environmental problems. We can learn from mistakes made in other parts of the world,” Smith said.
He also suggested anyone planning to expand or build a new hog facility should talk to the neighbors and explain the plans clearly before starting construction. The neighbors should know the economic spinoffs of increased employment and spending power that a livestock operation can bring to a community.
Potential builders also need to be realistic in their plans and what they tell the neighbors.
“Don’t make promises you can’t afford,” said Smith.
