Source:  NC Cooperative Extension Service-Bladen & Duplin County Agents, NC Pork Council, 3/12/10
 
Swine and poultry farmers in North Carolina have faced one of the wettest winters on record. This has resulted in higher than normal lagoon levels and more stockpiled poultry litter than normal with field conditions difficult to manage. 
 
There have been reports of trespassers on swine and poultry farms recently. The trespassers may be looking at lagoons, sprayfields, and poultry litter storage areas for potential water quality problems. Cameras are always at hand in attempts to document real or perceived potential problems. There have also been recent reports in the area of property damage and theft. Be aware that sometimes trespassing occurs because some see a potential opportunity in a difficult economic time.
 
Farmers are encouraged to keep gates, barns, and buildings secured. Also let employees and family members know so they can be on the lookout for suspicious people and/or activity. Post "no trespassing" notices on your property. This may boost your right to prosecute. Farmers should be on good terms with the Sheriff's Department. If you apprehend a trespasser, do not threaten or use physical force. Don't put your own personal safety at risk. Develop a good relationship with neighbors and watch out for each other. Whether you have livestock, row crops, produce, or other agricultural crops, all farmers can be at risk and would all benefit by working well together.
 
With all this said, it is extremely important that swine and poultry farmers implement all best management practices in managing animal waste. Make sure all bio-security plans are in place including "no trespassing" signs at farm entrances. Be vigilant, even more so than you are already.
 
As if trespassing wasn't enough of a concern, there have also been reports of possible scams and alleged loss of property and/or possessions. Although there are many legitimate businesses that make cold calls to farmers and send offers by mail to farmers, some may not be legitimate.
 
Some phone callers may falsely claim to be from a reputable company. Some may offer to come to your farm to offer a service - be wary as this may provide an opportunity to obtain information for dishonest purposes. Sometimes property is stolen more easily as a result of the knowledge of that property.
 
Anytime you get a business offer, investigate the offer and the person thoroughly. If it is a legitimate offer, the person will be forthright and want to provide you with as much information as possible so that you can make a good business decision. Some ways to investigate the offer include checking with the parent company that person claims to be a part of, asking others if they have heard of this offer or person, and checking with Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce or other business-related agencies. Searching the offer on the Internet may also be helpful. If you suspect foul play on your farm, contact your local Sheriff's Department.