Michigan Right to Farm Law, what does it mean?

[1muttsfan]

Hi to you all, especially those new to BYC. Wish I could help you out with your zoning troubles. I am formate enough to live in an area where it is written into my title that farming is allowed.

Just wanted to invite you all to visit the Michigan thread, there may be others living in your areas that may be able to help you out.

 

[LKirts]

@ShadyGroveFarm ~ Thank you for that information. The lady from the township is suppose to call back tomorrow to let us know if we are "actually" allowed to grow crops since she remembered that there was another person with the same situation as us and at first she told them yes they could farm , then they found out they couldnt. I am documenting all conversations with them. (good advice) Since she said we could do chickens if we dont have roosters and we dont get complaints, im going to go ahead and do that. Ill have to nix the roosters tho. (bummer) wanted to hatch a few chicks along the way to show the kids how its done. But.... Hopefully tomorrow she will come back with some "good" information.. (not holding my breath) lol
But thanks for the quick reply to our concerns. We will be studying the MRTFA further to see how it may pertain to us. any other info that you think we might need would be appreciated

 

[LKirts]

Well, the lady from the township called back today. Evidently we "CAN" farm the land, crops , ie corn and such. But to have any etible farm animals you have to have 40 acres. You can have a horse on 10 acres, for personal use. But no "farm animals' makes no sense to me. She said "they will not change the ordinance" even tho we didnt ask her to.
I think horses smell far worse than well kept chickens.tho i love horses, . So im going to go ahead and have my hens, no roosters, so there will be no loud noisy birds. We will see what happens. Im still studying all the MRTFA and case files as you suggested. Got alot of homework to do. One gentleman that i know has directed me to read the book for Michigan compiled laws. He says its very interesting.. he's had to deal with the ordinances too with his chickens and he is zoned RA.
yup, alot of homework. But im going to go ahead and start to raise my hens and see what happens. thanks for all the info you supply here. Its really putting me in the right direction.

 

[wingless]

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

 

[Gardeninggranny]

Yes- all of you who have chicken RTF questions please first check your local zoning laws then go to the free class at MSU during Ag and Natural resources week.

 

[Cavry]

Congratulations on that law! It appears that a lot of common sense was being used when that was enacted.

 

[kbob]

Oh how I love Michigan!

 

[hippychickster]

Hi there!
I'm from Shelby Township, MI and I called the township and spoke with a gentleman who said there are no current laws against having chickens here, however, if your neighbors complain then you will have to get rid of them".

 

[wingless]

Hi hippychickster -

My understanding is that if you keep your chickens strictly as pets, then the city does have the right to pass and enforce ordinances that can restrict your right to have backyard chickens.

However, if you sell any chicken products (eggs, say) to anyone (neighbors or friends) then you qualify as a commercial operation. In this case city ordinances are not relevant, since you are instead protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act (MRTFA), which specifically protects your right to operate a commercial farm - even if that consists of a few chickens laying eggs sold to a few friends.

But you shouldn't take my word for it. Take a look at this document, especially page 2:

http://www.animalagteam.msu.edu/uploads/files/20/Tech%20Bullitin%20Land%20Use.pdf

Best of luck -

Wendy

 

[RaZ]

That is a great document, wingless. It is one that I did not have in my defense arsenal. It became especially important now as I received a nuisance complaint from the Code Ordinance Officer.

One more bit of good information that I can refer to as I now have a fight on my hands.