Michigan Peeps -- we need to band together.

Seriously, we as a community of backyard enthusiasts need to band together to ensure that our rights under the MRTFA act become known and more importantly are observed.

I am sick of reading the horror stories about people all over Michigan being told they have to give up their birds. Especially about those who FALL UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE LAW, and yet local officials either strong arm or intimidate them these folks into capitulation.

I think we need an organized movement to ensure that

1) all of the small, backyard folks know the law, its current status, and what needs to be done to qualify as a protected farm operation under the law;

2) work to ensure that no changes are made to the law which would take away the protections currently granted to us by the legislature and the courts;

3) serve as a clearinghouse of information and support for those who are being unfairly targeted by local officials who do not understand the law or choose to ignore it;

4) create a trade/sales network between like minded folks to help us all "sell" our products and thereby help to confirm our status as "commercial";

I'm trying to piece together a plan of my own SHOULD the knock come on the door from the code enforcement people or police one day. Forewarned is forearmed. However, even at that, I know that I am "nervous" about my birds, I am concerned that my current rights as granted by the legislature and courts will not be observed without a lengthy, draining, and expensive fight. Or that I would be targeted for harassment by local officials with "an ax to grind" should I speak up for my rights.

If anyone else is interested in working with me on such a program, please let me know, either here or with a PM.

One of the first things I would like to work on is some kind of a "MRTFA For Dummies" kind of document that could serve as a "how to kit" for all of us backyard peeps -- how to keep a backyard flock and satisfy the MRTFA requirements so that your operation is legally protected.

Please, even if you're not interested in any way in contributing to such a project, please give me your input about my ideas, or just share your stories, good or bad, about any run-ins with local govt you may have had.

I am just sick at the way this country is going, and I am sick of the fact that something so fundamental as keeping birds for food and fun is deemed "wrong" in this society, when in reality, its a vital life skill that I think is going to become more and more important in the future as our world runs out of resources.

This sounds like a sound plan. I would like to help out if I can.

I have had to print if off and shove in the township zoning directors face.....only once though! Sent her away with a dozen fresh eggs and haven't seen her in 3 years now Knowledge is power for sure.

Count me in.

I keep a copy handy just in case.
I also keep copies of their animal and bee ordinances. I've highlighted the specific wording that is in contrast to the MRTF.

I've had no "official" call but a neighbor went wiggy on me and threatened me with calling the cops. I had to reduce my flock to 3 birds and move them to the other side of the yard.

Randy

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I too have a "folder" handy just in case. I've not had any trouble so far but just in case.....

My husband is very tech savvy and I can ask him to whip us up a website. What do you think? People need to know about their rights. And that would be the best way to get the word out. The more people that know, the more we can support each other.

Thanks, everyone. All good ideas.

Hi folks -

You may already know this, but there appear to be at least two cases heating up in Michigan, with people looking for information.

One person from Ypsilanti posted to the MRTFA thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...o-farm-law-what-does-it-mean/470#post_8390924

And another from Holland MI started this new thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...rm-act-i-need-some-basic-info/10#post_8397684

Are there other cases anyone else knows about? Is there a plan for disseminating info to these folks?

This is my current favorite document on the subject, because it is so reputable (it was written by experts on the subject from MSU), and because it is so clear:
http://www.animalagteam.msu.edu/uploads/files/20/Tech Bullitin Land Use.pdf

Hey folks, I just ran across a new thread that announced a half-day class at MSU on MRTF. Here is the thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/627921/class-on-michigan-right-to-farm-act

A direct link to the class, to be held on March 5, 2012, is here:

http://www.canr.msu.edu/anrweek/sessions/right_to_farm

Reading up on this. I just spoke with my Neighbor. City of Linden was out on the prowl. Ive had 6 hens for a year and just recently acquired a rooster 2 months ago. They heard him driving by I guess. They were out walking around when my neighbor question them. He also asked If any complaints were filed. They stated no and then he basically told them to get lost. They said it was against ordinances but I looked through them and didn't see anything that would keep me from having them. The only catch all was the noise. And honestly there are a lot noisier things than my rooster around town. Just a matter of time before the SHTF.