MI---Calling all Michiganders!

[Barrettone]

I am looking to make a move back to the UP in Michigan to homestead (already have a farm). Are there any other folks out there who are or are planning to do the same? Want to network and co-op. I will be about 30 miles outside of Marquette. If you have something to post about Michigan homesteading...do so here!!!

Jeff

[leera]

Found an old thread for MI,so I bumped it up for ya.

[Catalpa]

Something to post about Michigan homesteading....

Well, it's never boring! If it's not too hot, it's too cold, if it's not too wet, it's too dry...LOL. This year it's been a struggle to get the garden in, and it's growing slowly due to the lower than normal temps.

But the resources here are great. I'm in the Saginaw Valley, where the land is flat and the deer are fat; the Amish grow all the veggies and chickens I don't have time to raise; the local farmers raise all the beans; and if I don't bag a deer, there's grass fed buffalo to be had.

I think you might have a couple of disadvantages to your UP location; from what I understand the deer aren't as fat and numerous, and the soil isn't as good for farming. But...you're also in God's country, with lots of forests and less people, and closer access to great skiing.

How long have you been away from Michigan? What brings you back? Are you planning to go off grid?

[Barrettone]

Something to post about Michigan homesteading....

Well, it's never boring! If it's not too hot, it's too cold, if it's not too wet, it's too dry...LOL. This year it's been a struggle to get the garden in, and it's growing slowly due to the lower than normal temps.

But the resources here are great. I'm in the Saginaw Valley, where the land is flat and the deer are fat; the Amish grow all the veggies and chickens I don't have time to raise; the local farmers raise all the beans; and if I don't bag a deer, there's grass fed buffalo to be had.

I think you might have a couple of disadvantages to your UP location; from what I understand the deer aren't as fat and numerous, and the soil isn't as good for farming. But...you're also in God's country, with lots of forests and less people, and closer access to great skiing.

How long have you been away from Michigan? What brings you back? Are you planning to go off grid?

I actually reside in the suburbs of Detroit at the present time. My family is origionally from the Marquette area, and we have several farms up there. While it is true that the growing season is limited, the soil (at least in my area) is very fertile. Our family also has two greenhouses so we can farm year round. As for the deer, they are EXTREMELY abundant. Size can be smaller unless you hunt by the farms where they are well fed on grains/vegetables. The primary reason for moving though is that I feel that the cities are going to have a problem as the economic crisis worsens. I also have concerns about my sons (6, 8, and 11) receiving a good education at the schools down here. That is the main reason for "getting back to basics". The farming lifestyle is not new to me. I am just going to need to brush up a bit on it. We already have 20 acres of tillable land on our farm, a tractor, a 30x60 concrete slabbed pole barn with a full shop, a chicken coop, and a 20x40 barn for livestock. Our new home is just an 800 square foot cabin with a full size root cellar, a loft, 1 full bath, bedroom, kitchen/nook, and small living room, but it will do for starters. Going to start out small with goats, chickens and pigs. Cows won't happen for a year or two. It's gonna be interesting...

[Barrettone]

Are you planning to go off grid?

We have a solar package with inverters/batteries and I am working on getting a wind turbine generator. We are also off a well, and have a wood burning stove/fireplace for a heat source if the propane furnace is not an option.

[michiganmom]

I am a troll too but so far i think i am the closest between traverse city & Cadillac. I love it in the UP, such a wonderfull place. You are lucky about the good soil, here it is all blow sand and takes alot of work to keep a garden. Good luck to you and your family on the move. I think you have made a great choice for your kids.
michiganmom

[Catalpa]

It sounds like a dream set up, a 20 acre farm up in God's country. I think you're very smart to be thinking of your kids' environment. Boys of that age will absolutely love it up there! Some friends of mine moved to the UP a year ago; their son was not doing well in the local school but up there he really flourished.