Air quality and potential gaseous emission from animal feeding operations (AFOs) are a concern among Iowans. Rural residents are concerned with odors and emissions from AFOs that may affect their health, property values, and the environment. Livestock producers are concerned with possible effects on their own family members and employees, the environment, and the health and productivity of the livestock.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine are dedicated to serving the needs and concerns of Iowans through research activities, demonstrations, and educational programs related to air quality. Objectives of the air quality research and education programs include:

• identifying odorous compounds in manure and effects on humans and animals;
• measuring emissions from AFOs and impacts of downwind movement of these emissions;
• determining economic impact of emission mitigation practices and air quality regulations on livestock producers;
• determining economic impact of air quality concerns on neighborhoods;
• developing tools to measure and evaluate air quality impacts on the environment;
• providing unbiased information to the livestock industry, policymakers, and the general public on issues such as odor and dust emission practices; and
• providing tools to the livestock industry to use when siting new AFOs to reduce impacts on surrounding neighbors and communities.