Greg Murphy: North Carolinians Who Lived Near Hog Farms Complained About Foul Stenches, Flies, And Nausea

Residents That Live Near Hog Farmers Complained Of Foul Stenches, Flies, Nausea, And Other Problems. “Residents that live in proximity to hog farmers complain of foul stenches, flies, nausea, and other problems. Lawsuits have been filed against Murphy-Brown, the largest hog producer in North Carolina, which could soon go to trial. Initially, HB 467 would have worked retroactively to protect Murphy-Brown, but that portion was dropped from the bill.” [WUNC News, 5/5/17]

1982-2006: North Carolina’s Hog Population Increased From About 2 To 10 Million. “The problems caused by hog farmers have gotten worse for surrounding residents in the past decade, according to a study from UNC-Chapel Hill. In the 20th Century, hog farmers in North Carolina were relatively small. Typically, farmers had fewer than 25 hogs and were part of diversified crops. From 1982 to 2006, however, the number of farms ‘declined precipitously while the hog population increased from approximately 2 (million) to 10 million,’ according to the study.” [WUNC News, 5/5/17]

• As Hog Farm Size Drastically Increased, So Too Did Smells And Flies. “The problems caused by hog farmers have gotten worse for surrounding residents in the past decade, according to a study from UNC-Chapel Hill. In the 20th Century, hog farmers in North Carolina were relatively small. Typically, farmers had fewer than 25 hogs and were part of diversified crops. From 1982 to 2006, however, the number of farms ‘declined precipitously while the hog population increased from approximately 2 (million) to 10 million,’ according to the study. With the drastic increase in hog farm size came an increase in nuisances like smells and flies. The study further found that minorities were disproportionately affected by these nuisances.” [WUNC News, 5/5/17]