Michigan Right to Farm Law, what does it mean?

[chickwhispers]

Wow! I have just finished reading this thread with a great deal of interest. We have 23 acres or so in Hillsdale County which we plan to retire on, And I plan on bringing my chickens. I know were the property is so far allows chickens, but the way things are going, I want to stay up to date with this. Thank you everyone for such an informative thread.

 

[RTFchickens]

Welcome to the RTFA thread Chickenwhispers!
There are some of us going through some ugly fights to keep our chickens! This is a nice thread where we can encourage, share info, or just vent a little... This BYC group has helped me SO much! I could not have fought this far without BYC support!!!

 

[chickwhispers]

Thank you for the welcome! I have to say I am looking forward to hearing and reading about this issue. I believe that if one can have dogs cats and other birds as pets the small fowl should fall in that line as well. Also are there any swans in any of the places that dis-allow chickens? Just a thought. Good luck and Best wishes to all fighting that fight.

 

[eldenbrady]

Finally getting some press.

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/po...r-urban-farming-playing-out-small-towns/7097/ (edited because I initially somehow copied it from my facebook post of the article)

And according to our local paper, apparently urban pollution doesn't effect veggies unless you try to sell them (isn't there any decorum left against taking photos over peoples backyard fences?)-
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/09/eldenbrady_family_plans_for_ur.html

Half of the Mlive facts are wrong (we never applied for a variance for example and the cover photo of the article is another urban farm - one that the city is allowing) but it is at least headed in the right direction.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/09/recent_urban_farming_movement.html

 

[RTFchickens]

Eldenbrady, I like the mlive article overall (even though there are some reporting errors that you pointed out)
I think we need to take a stand against townships trampling on our rights! As long as we are not hurting anyone else, why should it matter what you do on your own private property?!? I would much rather my neighbor have a goat then a barking dog that poops on my sidewalk! And why do they care what you do with your vegetables? Weather you use them, give them away, or sell them? The double standard is rediculous!
The bird house comparison was outrageous too. Michigan is supposed to be "small business friendly" would this rule apply to us working from home? And where to all of these people think that farmers markets get their products? Certainly not from CAFOs! If that were the case, they would go to their nearest supermarket.
I'm glad you are standing up for your rights!

 

[wingless]

Wow! I have just finished reading this thread with a great deal of interest. We have 23 acres or so in Hillsdale County which we plan to retire on, And I plan on bringing my chickens. I know were the property is so far allows chickens, but the way things are going, I want to stay up to date with this. Thank you everyone for such an informative thread.

Glad you're here, because this effort sure takes a lot of persistence, and if you've read this whole thread then you clearly have what it takes!

Finally getting some press.

https://www.facebook.com/eldenbrady...al_comments=1&ref=notif&notif_t=share_comment

And according to our local paper, apparently urban pollution doesn't effect veggies unless you try to sell them (isn't there any decorum left against taking photos over peoples backyard fences?)-
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/09/eldenbrady_family_plans_for_ur.html

Half of the Mlive facts are wrong (we never applied for a variance for example and the cover photo of the article is another urban farm - one that the city is allowing) but it is at least headed in the right direction.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/09/recent_urban_farming_movement.html

eldenbrady, I think you also got some very nice press from The Atlantic: (Wow!)
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/po...r-urban-farming-playing-out-small-towns/7097/

Note that I've also started a page on the Michigan Small Farm Forum to track your case; hope you'll feel free to add updates there as well:
http://www.michigansmallfarmforum.com/index.php?/topic/117-ongoing-eldenbrady-in-muskegon-county/

 

[chickwhispers]

...

Glad you're here, because this effort sure takes a lot of persistence, and if you've read this whole thread then you clearly have what it takes!

Thank you and I hope I do. I'm not sure what I can bring to the table but I am certainly willing and able to follow and spread the word. I just find it "unconstitutional" if you will that large barking dogs have more rights than little egg producing chickens??? I think it takes courage and a pioneering spirit to go against the flow and stick with it. While I am fortunate to live in the country in a county thst doesn't even require a building permit for agricultural livestock fences let alone try to stop poultry in town, I can't imagine the battles and stress those against urban farming are experiencing. I wish the best to ALL pursuing the urban farm dream, aka their "happiness".

The article in the Atlantic was very good! Thanks for the link!

 

[jimmywalt]

Finally getting some press.

https://www.facebook.com/eldenbrady...al_comments=1&ref=notif&notif_t=share_comment

And according to our local paper, apparently urban pollution doesn't effect veggies unless you try to sell them (isn't there any decorum left against taking photos over peoples backyard fences?)-
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/09/eldenbrady_family_plans_for_ur.html

Half of the Mlive facts are wrong (we never applied for a variance for example and the cover photo of the article is another urban farm - one that the city is allowing) but it is at least headed in the right direction.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/09/recent_urban_farming_movement.html

I live on the north side of town. Do you also have chickens?

 

[eldenbrady]

No chickens, I am allergic to eggs so they would not do me a whole lot of good. Muskegon also has a local ordinance that allows multiple goats but only one chicken so it would require a court fight under right to farm - I was kind of hoping they would follow their own ordinance and we would not have a problem with the goats but I suppose I should have taken he city's reputation more seriously.

 

[jimmywalt]

No chickens, I am allergic to eggs so they would not do me a whole lot of good. Muskegon also has a local ordinance that allows multiple goats but only one chicken so it would require a court fight under right to farm - I was kind of hoping they would follow their own ordinance and we would not have a problem with the goats but I suppose I should have taken he city's reputation more seriously.

As you would be well aware it's the "Good Old boys club" and their favorite phrase is "no". So I'm thinking that people should word their questions as "I'm sure you wouldn't mind if....." and then when they say "No", well that means they wouldn't mind.

Fortunately I'm not in the city, I'm about 10 miles north (different area)....... My idea is don't ask and plead insanity (or ask for forgiveness) if necessary. LOL.

I hope you win your case. I'll stay tuned because I'm really interested!