Field Guide to Impacts of Animal Feedlots on Property Values
(Updated July 2008)
The potential environmental effects of animal feedlots, such as possible water contamination and foul odors, are a real concern for those living near one of these facilities. This guide will help you learn how these operations are regulated and how they might affect property values. (K. Swanson, Information Specialist)
What are Animal Feedlots?
"Animal feeding operations (AFOs) are agricultural enterprises where animals are kept and raised in confined situations. AFOs congregate animals, feed, manure and urine, dead animals, and production operations on a small land area. Feed is brought to the animals rather than the animals grazing or otherwise seeking feed in pastures, fields, or on rangeland."
Source: U.S. EPA, Animal Feeding Operations, Frequently Asked Questions
Federal Resources 
Animal Feeding Operations, (U.S. EPA, June 11, 2008).
National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center - Animal Feeding Operations, (U.S. EPA, Apr. 30, 2008).
Producers' Compliance Guide for CAFOs, (U.S. EPA, Apr. 11, 2007).
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) - Final Rule, (U.S. EPA, Feb. 2, 2007).
Animal Feeding Operations Fact Sheets and Outreach Materials, (U.S. EPA, Jan. 3, 2007).
Animal Feeding Operations Frequently Asked Questions, (U.S. EPA, Feb. 1, 2007).
Environmental Impacts of Animal Feeding Operations, (U.S. EPA, Dec. 31, 1998).
The CAFO effect on property values: There goes the neighborhood, (The Muskegon Chronicle, July 31, 2006)
Animal Feeding Operations and Residential Land Value, (University of Missouri Extension, July 2006).
A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Environmental Contamination and Positive Amenities on Residential Real Estate Values, (The Journal of Real Estate Research, Jan-Mar 2006). Q
Living with Hogs in Iowa: The Impact of Livestock Facilities on Rural Residential Property Values, (Iowa State University, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Aug. 2003).
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Proximate Property Values, (The Appraisal Journal, July 2001). Q
Measured Effects of Feedlots on Residential Property Values in Minnesota: a Report to the Legislature, (University of Minnesota, College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, July 1996).
Animal Feeding Operations: An Overview, (The National Agricultural Law Center, July 19, 2007).
Air Quality Issues and Animal Agriculture: A Primer, (Congressional Research Service, Oct. 18, 2006).
Do Animals Smell?, (Pollution Engineering, Oct. 2006). Q
Legal Rights? Moving to a Nuisance, (Realty Times, June 8, 2006).
Improving Air and Water Quality Can Be Two Sides of the Same Coin, (Amber Waves, Sep. 2005). Q
State Compendium Programs and Regulatory Activities Related to Animal Feeding Operations, (Tetra Tech, Inc., May 2002).
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Pollution and Property (Adobe eReader)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Measured effects of feedlots on residential property values in Minnesota: A report to the Legislature, (Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota - Department of Applied Economics, July 1996). SF-2000-005
A compendium: a guide to appraising specific property types, (Chicago, IL: Society of Real Estate Appraisers, 1973). HD 1387 So1c
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Effects of Hazardous Waste on Property Values
Field Guide to Agricultural/Farm Land
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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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