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The best public relations happen one-on-one. If you're a good neighbor, you provide the best possible public relations for your industry. Being a good neighbor means being considerate and responsible, and it means communicating about things we do that may affect our neighbors. Here are some "Good Neighbor" tips for you to consider.

1. Don't spread manure on Fridays, especially the Friday before a holiday weekend. Encourage them to let you know about times when a fresh does of manure would infringe upon their entertainment plans.
2. Do spread manure on the most environmentally friendly method, so that nutrients are adsorbed by crops.
3. Take time to explain what you do and why. For example, spreading manure on cropland recycles nutrients and puts it to productive use.
4. Explain why at planting and harvest times farmers must work late into the night and on weekends. If they know there's an end to the extra noise, traffic and lights, they'll be more tolerant.
5. Take opportunities to educate. Invite the neighbor's children over to see a newborn calf, lamb, or pigs. Most kids do science fair projects- see if there's a way you can help them.
6. Consider having an open house or picnic for neighbors during spring, then use the time to talk about what you do and why.
7. Be helpful. When snow flies, dig out your neighbors if you have a snowplow.