Tag: Swine

You can believe the well produced propaganda piece on Michigan's new-found prosperity, OR you can observe what has been happening to the men and women and families that feed us.  No amount of Rah-Rah for right to work (which I support tremendously) and budgets done on time can take away the rotten stink of tyranny that comes through our state's administrative efforts. As far as the bureaucratic 'rule makers' are concerned, the peasantry is far to pitiful to fear, except for a few trouble makers.

A few troublemakers, merely following tradition by doing what generations have done to make the country healthy and prosperous. Farmers, who like any other business that must inevitably deal with an onslaught of government intrusion into their affairs, making a mockery of presumed prophylactic and protective measures for the public good. Family Farmers, like other mom and pop business ventures who have had the oxygen sucked out of their existence by expansive government till they fall one by one.

Veteran Mark Baker of Baker's Green Acres is the equivalent of today's canary-in-the-coal-mine that is Michigan.  Except THIS bird isn't dying to tell you the oxygen has left the premises.

His words are straight up and easy to understand.

Snyder inherited this issue from the former governor.  When he was elected by a minority of Republicans, and faced a loonytunes SOB in the general "hired", there was a clear warning that this could hurt Michigan families, yet he ignored it.

Tomorrow's court hearing will likely signal more of the end to private property ownership and farming for small family organizations.  The hearing is at 111 Canal St. Lake City, MI and starts at 2 pm. The Bakers are facing a DNR $700,000 fine for wanting to do business as they have for decades. Donations are being accepted for their legal costs of defending not only THEIR way of life, but challenging the state imposed rules which CRUSH small farms and small business for nothing less than "the best of intentions."

The Attorney General, OR The Governor COULD 'save the day' of course, but it could have happened already.

Anyhow, The Bakers can still keep an upbeat attitude. In fact they are having a pig roast on Saturday along with some fund raising activities. And you are all invited. Celebrate the farm Saturday at their place.

"The hogs are scalded and ready to roast.  The yard is looking good.  All the animals have been admonished to be on their best behavior.   We are anticipating good weather (if the weatherman can be trusted), which makes a hay ride a lot more fun.  There will be several ways you can enjoy and help support the farm: bid on products from our friends and associates in the Silent Auction, take home some farm products, and donate to the "piggy bank."

Here's the plan for the Celebration of the Farm on Saturday:  ..."

Best of luck to the Bakers.

via The Detroit News

Gov. Rick Snyder appointed Ron Boji of Orchard Lake and Craig DeNooyer of Kalamazoo to the Michigan Strategic Fund board of directors Monday.

The 11-member board promotes economic development and job creation by approving private activity bonds, authorizing community development block grant applications and acting as the fiduciary agent for the 21st Century Jobs Fund.

Boji is president of the Boji Group, where he oversees the management, development and leasing of space in the company's real estate portfolio.

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One Term Nerd

Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Fred Walcott, of Allendale, to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The five-member board provides executive direction for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development programs. No more than three members may be from the same political party.

"Fred brings years of experience to the commission, and I am confident he will do great work on behalf of the people of Michigan in this role," said Snyder.

A lifelong farmer, Walcott works for Valley View Pork LLC. The 4,000-acre family farm produces hogs, corn, wheat and soybeans, and houses a weather station which monitors crop conditions. Walcott, a Republican, replaces Velmar Green.

Walcott will serve a four-year term that expires Dec. 31, 2016, and his appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Sounds benign enough, right?  And, it is until one finds out that Fred Walcott has lined his pockets with $934,078 of our tax dollars for his private profit.  It's just a got-damn shame that a guy trying to make a living without sponging off of taxpayers is greeted by State Police/DNR/Federal agent jackboots just to peacefully have his day in court while being stifled by the Attorney General's Office.

As a part of the process (ginned up by the big farming interests) Michigan government has used to take out the small farmer who cannot pay the protection money politicians require, the end is nigh. This particular issue is a tragedy, but not at all surprising as Agenda 21 sets in, and favored producers are enriched as a result.

Its a shame it is closing on a Republican watch.

FAIL.

Bakers Green Acres
1579 W Brinks Rd  McBain, MI 49657

Bakers is fighting OUR fight out there folks.

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced that Rodney Stokes will be the administration's point man on working with cities to help them become more vibrant and inviting by enhancing their existing resources. Stokes, who currently serves as Department of Natural Resources director, will leave that position to join the Executive Office.

"Michigan's cities are brimming with unique natural and man-made assets that can be cultivated in ways which attract families and visitors, retain talented workers, encourage investment and enhance our overall quality of life," Snyder said. "Rodney has the talent and experience to make that happen. His expertise in the areas of natural resources, outdoor recreation, policy development and civic engagement make him well suited to partner with cities in these efforts. A strong Michigan needs strong cities. Rodney's work will be key to that success and we're fortunate to have a person of his caliber at the forefront of this critical initiative."

As the governor's special adviser for city placemaking, Stokes will work with cities on projects such as ensuring the availability of quality green space and enhancing recreational opportunities.
....

Snyder emphasized the need for Michigan and its communities to adopt a "placemaking" mindset in his March 2011 Special Message to the Legislature on Local Government Reform. Placemaking recognizes that economic development and community development go hand in hand. It is a multifaceted approach that encourages a fresh look at the potential use of assets such as parks, downtowns, waterfronts, neighborhoods and buildings.

Rest here

What a disgusting abuse of power by a Peter Principle agency bureaucrat.  Thank God that Sens. Hune and Booher have taken the initiative to intervene on this outrageous dictatorial assault on private property rights.

Under the guise of "invasive species" enforcement, the DNR's director Stokes, has set loose a force on small farms and family run operations which for decades have raised certain types of swine that are considered dangerous and damaging in the wild.  These types of pigs can apparently reproduce quite easily.  However, the pigs are said to be aggressive, and damaging to forests and wildlands if allowed to get loose.

so by fiat, the Director decided to simply eradicate the problem by destroying the livelihood of game pig farmers and other swine herds that MAY have certain strains of the feral breeds in them.

In July of 2011, the department, likely under the suggestions of Snyder's advisory team gave the operations that might be affected a few more months to kill their stock.  And the the Michigan Animal Farmers Association had appealed for declaratory relief citing the rules for invasive designation.  MAFA argued on behalf of those small farms that what the DNR is calling an invasive danger, does not meet all the requirements to be classified as such.

The suit by MAFA unfortunately did not meet the appeals court standard, which effectively strengthened executive authority in ALL areas.