Avoid spreading manure when the wind blows toward populated areas, or immediately before weekends and holidays when nearby neighbors are likely to be engaged in outdoor activities. Spread in the morning, when air is warming and rising, rather than in the late afternoon. Follow the weather reports. Sunny, low-humidity days reduce odors. Turbulent breezes dissipate and dilute odors.
Rain removes odors from the atmosphere.
But warm, still days with a temperature inversion concentrate odors. Avoid spreading near heavily traveled highways and keep manure from spilling on public roads. If a spill does occur, clean the road promptly. Minimize agitation and exposure of manure to air during preparation for unloading, hauling, and spreading. Mixing, spraying, and agitating manure releases odors into the air.