Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[wannahomestead]

Scheduling a few days off work next week to get some homestead things taken care of.

I need to get my seed garlic in the ground. I need to get a pen expansion worked in. I need to replace an axle seal in the rear axle of my explorer. I have a potential shot at buying an older Ferguson TO-30 tractor, so I'd like to get that sorted out. Left over garden stuff needs to be pulled/harvested and stored.


Lots to do and no time before snow it feels like . Where did October go?

 

[aart]

Scheduling a few days off work next week to get some homestead things taken care of.

I need to get my seed garlic in the ground. I need to get a pen expansion worked in. I need to replace an axle seal in the rear axle of my explorer. I have a potential shot at buying an older Ferguson TO-30 tractor, so I'd like to get that sorted out. Left over garden stuff needs to be pulled/harvested and stored.


Lots to do and no time before snow it feels like . Where did October go?

I Know, Right?!?!

 

[yochickiemomma]

I think Im wearing the other shoe! LOL Truck needs tune up and snow tires put on, my snow blower doesn't work, we need to get more fire wood put up, and thats only half of the list looks like no rest for the wicked

 

[Folly's place]

So true! October was too warm too long, and now reality has arrived, and we're not ready either. Firewood! Repairing stuff! Gave up on gardening this year, but maybe next year? Mary

 

[RaZ]

New GAAMPs are being proposed. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdard/2017_Draft_SITE_SELECTION_GAAMPs_532708_7.pdf

"While these GAAMPs establish basic set-back standards for livestock facilities of all sizes, existing land uses, development patterns, the cost-benefit of an investment in animal housing, as well as the sustainability of farm animal production should all be analyzed before construction of a livestock facility and bringing farm animals to a site."

"Category 4 Sites: Sites not acceptable for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities and Livestock Production Facilities under the Siting GAAMPs. Category 4 Sites are locations that are primarily residential and do not allow agricultural uses by right and are not acceptable under the Siting GAAMPs for livestock facilities or livestock production facilities regardless of the number of animal units. However, the possession and raising of animals may be authorized in such areas pursuant to a local ordinance designed for that purpose. "

"Livestock facilities in Categories 1, 2 or 3 with less than 50 animal units are not required to go through the site review and verification process, and conform to the provisions of these GAAMPs. However, these operations are required to conform to all other applicable GAAMPs. "

Notice that references to Category 4 have been eliminated from the GAAMP. That is where most of us chicken keepers fall. However, buried in the text is a change of set-back from 250 feet to 1000 feet and a notation that one needs written approval from any non-farm resident within an 1/8 mile. In other words, you need written permission from your neighbor(s) for you to keep chickens on your own property. It only takes one to say "no". This action is the latest in the activities of appointed bureaucrats beholden to MDARD, MFB and corporate lobbyists.

Most heinous in this action is that since 2012, MDARD has been violating the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution that assures (guarantees) equal protection of law. I suppose that they recognize this and are attempting to divert attention by changing their name. MDARD is now calling themselves MCARD (Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development). This is a smoke screen to imply that bureaucracy has the legal authority of state law. Not true, but you and I are losing our rights.

The Ag Commissioners are meeting on November 10. We need to get involved.

 

[RaZ]

Last year we lost one of our own. Today, his killer was sentenced in court.
http://www.macombdaily.com/article/MD/20161026/NEWS/161029734#disqus_thread

http://www.wxyz.com/news/18-year-old-sentenced-to-prison-after-causing-fatal-crash-while-high

 

[bigmrg74]

So true! October was too warm too long, and now reality has arrived, and we're not ready either. Firewood! Repairing stuff! Gave up on gardening this year, but maybe next year? Mary

Winter is coming. In fact, rumor has it that came to some parts of the state today.

Also, came home to this tonight.

Somebody wasn't paying close attention when somebody went to round up the girls tonight. Got the poor thing up on the roost now.

 

[aart]

Last year we lost one of our own. Today, his killer was sentenced in court.
http://www.macombdaily.com/article/MD/20161026/NEWS/161029734#disqus_thread

http://www.wxyz.com/news/18-year-old-sentenced-to-prison-after-causing-fatal-crash-while-high

Only 5 years?!?!

....SHM.

 

[yochickiemomma]

Raz I won't say I understand how you feel but I do know first hand how painful and disappointing it is to have the MI justice system fail us. One of my nephews murders was set free last June after only serving 8 years. The only peace of mind I have (and its not enough) is the other monster will NEVER see the outside of a prison again.

 

[yochickiemomma]

Bigmrg Im glad you found her!