Shelterbelt Establishment for Hog Barn Odour
Control and Improved Aesthetics in Eastern Canada

Program Leaders
Sabrina Ellsworth, MSc (Coordinator)
Dr. David Burton, Dr. Rob Gordon, Dr. Dan Hurnik

Background
Manure odours, emanating from both livestock production facilities and manure storage are often a catalyst for complaints against the hog industry. Options for reducing the dispersion of these odours currently exists, however they are very expensive. In addition, as the industry grows, hog barns tend to take on a more commercial appearance, which may be undesirable to tourists and local residents.

Shelterbelts, or rows of trees, planted around hog rearing facilities serve many benefits. They can reduce the intensity of manure odours as well as give farm properties a more natural, forested appearance, while providing economic benefits to pork producers. Rows of trees planted around livestock facilities may result in decreased energy loads required for heating and cooling. Snow trapping on the leeward side of the shelterbelt can also reduce snow removal costs and reduce problems with spring melt. Planting shelterbelts can help mitigate numerous environmental problems. They have the ability to decrease wind and soil erosions, thus protecting water sources, sequester atmospheric carbon, and provide wildlife habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. There are a few negative aspects that need to be considered before planting a shelterbelt. These include; loss of cultivated land, loss of view, increased daytime temperature, increased undesirable insects, increased odour close to the barn, and the largest concern is the time required for maintenance.

Objectives
The project objective is to increase awareness and adoption within the Maritime pork industry as to the benefits of planting shelterbelts around livestock barns.

Duration and Current Status
The Atlantic Swine Research Partnership, in collaboration with the Canadian Pork Council received funding from Greencover Canada for a shelterbelt demonstration and education program for the Maritimes. Similar programs are taking place through Ontario Pork and Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec. By March 2007 a total of four workshops will have been offered, instructing participants within the Maritimes on the design and implementation of shelterbelts around livestock facilities. Upon completion of the program there will be 18 people fully trained and available to assist producers on all aspects of shelterbelts. As part of the training, participants have designed and installed 6 demonstration sites: two in Nova Scotia, two in New Brunswick, and two in Prince Edward Island, with one additional to be installed at the Atlantic Swine Research Partnership barn in the spring 2007. To date over 5500 m of shelterbelt consisting of over 1800 trees have been planted as part of this program.

Additional funding to increase awareness and capacity building has been put forward for 2007-2008. To facilitate future activities, a plastic mulch applicator, plastic mulch, brush mower and basic soil preparation and tree maintenance equipment have been purchased and are available to interested producers. For equipment availability and rental costs contact the project coordinator at (902) 890-7637.

Partners
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Greencover Canada Technical Assistance Program, Atlantic Swine Research Partnership, Canadian Pork Council, Atlantic Veterinary College, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and L’Institut de technologie agroalimentaire

Shelterbelt website - www.wbvecan.ca