Michigan Right to Farm Law, what does it mean?

[dportfamfarm]

I have several questions in regards to this and wondering if someone could contact me? I'm located in Saginaw and want to know if I am doing the right things to get my chicks in a row.. Can someone who knows about this issue pm me and possibly exchange phone numbers or text??

Thanks Allie

 

[wingless]

I have several questions in regards to this and wondering if someone could contact me? I'm located in Saginaw and want to know if I am doing the right things to get my chicks in a row.. Can someone who knows about this issue pm me and possibly exchange phone numbers or text??

Thanks Allie

Allie, some of the folks from this thread started the Michigan Small Farm Council, way back in 2012. You are always welcome to contact them at [email protected]. We'll help if we can.

Wendy

 

[dportfamfarm]

Ive been dealing with the department of agriculture, we fit all the paramaters to have animals on our property. Just need to get the coop built and move the birds from their temporary home inside and dept of agriculture will come and check out the coop and we are good to go (or so i was told)

 

[wingless]

Great! Then you live in a rural area?

 

[dportfamfarm]

No residential. We own 2 acres, and from our coop to nearest neighbor is close to 320 feet and i think its 9 houses in an 1/8 mile radius. But if dept of ag. Says we are okay.. We should be okay

 

[OldMissionChick]

Hi everyone I have been reading everyone's posts and want to make sure I understand this. The MRTF trumps county/township/town/city zoning issues, correct? I live on 10 wooded acres zoned rural residential.

 

[BigHope888]

No residential. We own 2 acres, and from our coop to nearest neighbor is close to 320 feet and i think its 9 houses in an 1/8 mile radius. But if dept of ag. Says we are okay.. We should be okay

Is there any way you could get in writing the Dept. of Ag. saying you're ok?

Hi everyone I have been reading everyone's posts and want to make sure I understand this. The MRTF trumps county/township/town/city zoning issues, correct? I live on 10 wooded acres zoned rural residential.

Hello! I'm kind of the new kid on the block here, but from what I understand, MRTF itself was not altered, but the GAAMPs (Generally Accepted Agriculture Management and Practices) managed to sneak in a slimy little update that states MRTF shall not grant protection to houses zoned residential. But MRTF does state that no local, city, or township ordinance shall be enforced to those farming. So to me, it's still kind of a gray area. If trouble finds you, and you have/can afford a lawyer, I'd think you could argue that in court until whoever would be opposed to your chickens relents and leaves you in peace, or until you run out of resources. Or ask Dportfarm who she's talking to, IDK anything about dealing directly with Dept of Ag.

All this for chickens, right?!?!?! Makes me realize how lucky I am. Yesterday I took a chicken to the fence and introduced her to my neighbors. They both pet her, and then THEY started griping about our city ordinance and the government in our business. (Please never move, never move, never move!)

So good luck, ya'll.

 

[OldMissionChick]

I thought I read / heard there was distance regulations, like "x" feet from neighbors. But there are many cities that allow hens, thus why we moved from the city.

 

[BigHope888]

I thought I read / heard there was distance regulations, like "x" feet from neighbors. But there are many cities that allow hens, thus why we moved from the city.

There are distance regulations in the changed GAAMPs. There are four categories, those zoned agricultural, semi agricultural, semi residential, and residential. The residential zoned properties are "Not suitable for livestock production." Those in the semi residential, or third category are subject to distance regulations like you said. It's confusing.

 

[dportfamfarm]

Yeah i am getting a preliminary letter today. Then dept of ag will come to my house and measure 250 feet from nearest house and verify theres no more than 13 houses within a 1/8 mile radius of our coop and we get another letter. Had my ducklings outside this weekend in my back yard in an old latge dog crate with the bottom off so they could play in the grass and so my goldendoodle could interact with them. Neighbors are so old, they didnt even see them out, several neighbors know our plans and support us 110%.

And yes, the big black "bear" is my goldendoodle Sophie.