LANSING, Mich. — Pressure between farmers and their neighbors has grown in some rural communities, leaving local leaders looking for ways to settle the dust.<br>

Balancing Animal Agriculture and Communities is a one-day conference at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 29. It will feature experts in physical and social sciences from across the country, who will take a look at the issues that affect farmers and those in their communities.<br>
It is just one of dozens of activities that will highlight Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Week, Feb. 29-March 8 at MSU.
“New or expanding, and even existing, livestock operations face increasing scrutiny from rural residents,” said Wendy Powers, director of environmental stewardship and animal agriculture at MSU. “Neighbors are concerned about property values, health, water and air quality. The purpose of the conference is to share information with parties on all sides of the issue.<br>
“What do we know and what don’t we know? We hope that this will open up dialogue at the local level and provide the foundation for a better understanding of the issues, practices and associated concerns.”<br>
Balancing Animal Agriculture and Communities is aimed at bringing together Michigan residents, farmers and policymakers to discuss critical aspects of growth and development of communities and agriculture. Topics include air emissions effects on human and environmental health, aquatic ecosystem integrity, real estate values and quality of life. In all cases, scientists will share their perspectives on the comparative effects of various systems.<br>

MSU Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics Glynn Tonsor will lead the discussion on real estate value. By summarizing the literature and existing research on the effects of animal agriculture in the real estate market, Tonsor aims to equip policymakers and residents to make better informed, science-based decisions influenced by how animal agriculture impacts a community’s economic situation.<br>

“When a new farm comes into town or an existing one wants to expand, people’s perception is that there’s always a negative impact on real estate valuations,” Tonsor said. “Though there is some research that confirms that, there is some that says that’s not necessarily the case, and the majority of research suggests many factors, unique to a given situation, ultimately determine real estate impact.”<br>

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, Tonsor believes the information he will present can improve future policy discussions.
The conference also will look at improvement of livestock production technology, community response to livestock production and tradeoffs within animal agriculture.<br>

“The conference is not designed to end the debate. It’s designed to start the conversation,” Powers said. “We hope people will walk away from this with new knowledge and a renewed commitment for collaboration and partnering with people in their communities.”
Registration is $115. To register, visit www.animalagteam.msu.edu or call Faye Watson at 517-353-3174.<br>

Other events of interest<br>

Another hot topic to be discussed during ANR Week are the effects changing climate is having on the Great Lakes. “The Great Lakes: An Ecosystem in Transition” will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 4 at the Kellogg Center. Experts from across the Great Lakes region will discuss current research and policy implications and potential management strategies for the lakes, which hold 20 percent of the world’s fresh water.<br>

“The Great Lakes are at fairly low water levels historically,” said Lois Wolfson, water quality specialist with the MSU Institute of Water Research and Development and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.<br>

“We’re going to look at the role of climate change in affecting these levels and potential impacts on Great Lakes fisheries.”
ANR Week also features a variety of seminars, conferences and organizational annual meetings, including educational programs ranging from forest stewardship training and manure management seminars to sessions focused on forage and grazing technologies.
In addition, ANR Week is the setting for many annual meetings and conferences, including the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders, with meeting and shows Feb. 29-March 2; the Michigan Wildflower Conference on March 3; the 80th Michigan FFA Convention from March 5-7; the Michigan Barn Preservation Network Conference on March 8; and the Beekeepers’ Annual Conference on March 8. <br>
Other events include the Michigan Organic Conference from Feb. 29-March 1, the Quiet Water Symposium on March 1, a horticulture therapy conference March 7-8 and the Spring Goat Day on March 8.
For a complete list of ANR Week activities, visit www.canr.msu.edu/anrweek or contact program coordinator Megghan Honke by e-mail at honkemeg@msu.edu or by phone at 517-353-3179, ext. 229.