Indiana Agricultural Operations and Right to Farm Law

Indiana Code 32-30-6-9 (the Right to Farm Act) bars nuisance suits against agricultural and industrial operations that have existed for more than one year, provided no significant changes have occurred. The statute applies whenever locality conditions change around an established farm. Indiana Code 15-11-2 governs the Board of Animal Health and statewide livestock disease regulations, which preempt local rules. Confined feeding operations are regulated by IDEM under IC 13-18-10. While municipalities can zone urban chickens within city limits, agricultural-zoned land receives statutory protection that cities cannot easily override.

Nuisance lawsuits against protected farms are generally barred. Plaintiffs may face attorney fee awards. Local ordinances conflicting with state agricultural law are unenforceable against qualifying operations.