Michigan Right to Farm Law, what does it mean?

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Posts 72 & 73 were related to Indiana, I believe, not Michigan. To the best of my knowledge, Michigan is the only state where the RTFA trumps local ordinances.

Post 73 was for the Ypsilanti township in MI.
... Bluemoon

Since #72 specifically mentioned Indiana and 5 acres, and 73 appeared to answer about the 5 acre rule, I assumed it also referered to Indiana RTFA. Sorry.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Well, I suppose sales tax depends on your state's laws. Here in Arizona sales tax is not paid on items that will eventually be sold--for example, we own a go kart manufacturing business. Parts and supplied that go directly into the kart are tax-free, thinks like light bulbs for the shop, saw blades, tools, etc. are not exempt from sales tax--those costs do not get passed on to the customer as do things like clutches, tires, steering wheels, metal tubing for the frames, etc.

We are talking about Michigan, so make sure you are following the sales tax rules for Michigan; personally I would be surprised if they are as dissimilar to those for Arizona as you stated.

 

[AskelFarm]

Well to up front and honest......this is the Michigan RTFA. I have a farm in Michigan. I also have a business in Michigan, my farm. There are folks who come here for info on Michigan RTFA. I am not worried or even concerned what Arizona law is, or Siberia, or even neighboring Wisconsin. One key part of Michigan RTFA is that you are in business. What better way to declare this than to get a business license???

Light bulbs, by the way, are an essential part of raising chickens when you only get 8 hours of sunlight in a day (mid winter) and the temp is -10f. The point is, farming in Michigan is a different business than building go-carts in Arizona.

Im not blasting anyone here, but we have 9 pages of info here. When the local law is giving you trouble, and you turn here for help, lets keep it on topic as related to this tread......please!

If I offended anyone....sorry, but this is serious business!!!!!!!!

 

[AskelFarm]

Ok...another note:

(1) MRTFA is one of the most comprehensive, farm friendly laws in the country. It lays down a few basic rules for the farmer, and provides a boatload of protection.

(2) Every law needs to be challenged at some point. Once challenged, case presidence is established, laying the ground work for a solid foundation for that law.

The law has been challenged. A definitive ruling has been established. The court has done its part. Now is time for the farmer to do his.

(3) Make your farm a legal business and follow rules and responsibilities of this law.

Use it to your advantage. If you are conforming to the law, let them challenge you. If you choose to do a half azz job on your part, then expect the law to offer the same half-azz protection.

Hold the local gov't to task. If you are in compliance, let them tell you, send you, call you what they want. You are in the right if YOU are in compliance with the provisions of the law.

 

[Bluemoon420]

Quote:
Post 73 was for the Ypsilanti township in MI.
... Bluemoon

Since #72 specifically mentioned Indiana and 5 acres, and 73 appeared to answer about the 5 acre rule, I assumed it also referered to Indiana RTFA. Sorry.

No worries Sonoran! I had to scroll back because I wasn't sure if I misread it.

 

[Bluemoon420]

Quote:
I don't think it would be a detriment. Pretty much what askel is saying is spot on.

I think I missed a post on sales tax info. I'll read back and see what I missed out

Bluemoon

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
My point is that people need to check out the pertinent business laws and run it properly as a business--no sense in having your animals all legal, but face stiff fines for not paying taxes.

I will not argue about the necessity of light bulbs; I do question whether they are a legitimate tax-free purchase. They are a direct parallel to the items I mentioned: items necessary for production of the product, but not a part of the finished product.

Do note that I brought up the idea of setting oneself up as a business by creating an LLC way back in post #55.

 

[AskelFarm]

Talk to a tax advisory/accountant. They can tell you all the ins and outs of what records you should/need to keep, taxes etc......dont rely on info that is second hand. They can advise you on LLC's / business licenses etc with up to date professional accuracy. Most accountants want your business and will sit with you for free or minimal charge for the first meeting.

Get legal, and the law will protect you, your farm, and your family.

Follow Michigan law, and Michigan law only. It doesnt matter what anyone in any other state says, thinks, posts, comments, or suggests. ......your farm is in Michigan, and it is up to YOU to comply with the law.

MRTFA is VERY simple to understand. It outlines your (very) few responsibilities, and defines what is protected BY LAW!

Read MRTFA!! Keep a copy handy! Someone will ask, some mis-informed semi official will question it, others will doubt it even exists..........provide them with a copy and POLITELY Return to whats really important......



YOUR FARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE (for a change)

 

[jefpaul]

There are folks who come here for info on Michigan RTFA. I agree,stay on the subject at hand. local

 

[shadygrovefarm]

Hello. My wife and I have recently been "turned in" for having chickens/sheep. We live in a small town in the U.P. on 6.5 acres, but are zoned "lake residential" and this is not a permitted use for this zoning. We have been raising chickens for 6 years now and just now had a complaint from someone that is not even a neighbor. (The complaint was anonymous). We recently lost our attempt at receiving a "special exception" that we paid $250 to have a hearing for. Now we are going to go thru the appeals process for another $150. We are going to do everything in our power to make this work and to educate our community on self sustainability and try to change the zoning here. We have a lot of support from our neighbors and community folks. How much weight does the Michigan Right to Farm Act really have in a situation like this? We need to find a way to make this work as it is time for CHANGE!!!!