If VEBs are utilized appropriately (proper species, scale, location, etc.(, they can play a significant incremental role within a "suite" of multiple odor mitigation strategies. Collectively, these strategies reduce odor nuisance risk for all stakeholders in rural air quality. Yet despite the apparent bio-physical promise of VEBs for odor mitigation, very little is known about the financial requirements for installation (e.g. site preparation and tree/shrub planting( and long term management of these VEB systems. Since the long term use of VEBs represents an “out of pocket” expense for many livestock and poultry producers, the use of VEBs is ultimately contingent upon the financial feasibility of the technology at the farm level.
To shed more light on this financial question, a financial feasibility analysis was conducted in the context of swine production. The results of this analysis show that the planting and long term maintenance costs of shelterbelts for odor mitigation are indeed within the range of acceptable expenses for odor management. For a summary of results please click the links below:
Powerpoint summary of the Financial Feasibility of Using VEBs for Swine Odor Mitigation
Poster summary of the Financial Feasibility of Using VEBs for Swine Odor Mitigation
CONCLUSION - VEBs are a relatively inexpensive technology, in most cases total costs over time are well below swine producer willingness to pay for odor management - ultimately allowing financial room for applying multiple odor strategies. As the producer demand for VEBs as an odor mitigating technology is on the rise government cost share support (e.g. EQIP) may be critical.
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