Receive report on the use of noise-making devices in production agriculture. (No general fund impact) (Izquierdo/Guerrero) (Est. Time: 10 min)

Receive report on the use of noise-making devices in production agriculture.

On Monday, August 7, 2023, the Yolo County Department of Agriculture received report of multiple noise complaints from the area of East Davis. The complaints stemmed from loud booming noises that had been heard throughout the prior weekend, late into the night and during early morning hours. After investigating, the noise was found to be the result of an automated “bird cannon,” which is a device used to frighten birds and other nuisance animals away from crops. This is a common device, and its usage is permitted under existing ordinance. In this instance, the device had been left on and allowed to operate automatically throughout the weekend, resulting in the repeating noise heard by nearby residents. Typical best practice for these devices is to only set them off on a limited basis when animals that might threaten farmland are most active, which would generally be the twilight hours before dawn or sunset. The grower responsible for this device was identified and reminded of these best practices. The grower has willingly cooperated with County staff in resolving the immediate noise concern.

In response to this event the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Yolo County Farm Bureau, is developing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the use of these and other devices within the County. These BMPs will be communicated to growers within Yolo County through existing Department of Agriculture channels. This voluntary, cooperative approach is considered preferable to enacting new ordinances, since these occurrences are uncommon, and it can prove difficult find the exact source of the issue.

Yolo County Farm Bureau
County Administrator
Community Services