Recently the taxes here at the farm increased greatly -- most of the farmers in Leelanau County are facing this. They are taking farms that have always been agricultural and rezoning them 401 Residential, even if the land is a "swamp." But don't try to build there or fence it, because the state Department of Environmental Quality says you can't!
That means a flood of farms on the market and no one to buy them. They are driving farmers from their homesteads -- a life they have always known. What will they do if they cannot farm? Not all of them dreamed of "some beach somewhere."
They cannot pass the farms down, as their children cannot afford to pay the new tax (even if they were to inherit them.) Once they change names, the tax rate goes to what the farm would be valued at today, and that, in most cases, means double or tripling the amount!
It's not just about preserving the land, it's about preserving the farmers and their way of life!
We started out with dreams of helping keep the land: pristine farmland filled with the mooing of cattle, roosters crowing -- yes, the "Roosters of Suttons Bay" -- growing quietly a better food product for those seeking healthier options.
It's hard physical labor from sun up to past sun down, not rewarding in a monetary way but rewarding in so many other areas. We sleep well at night!
Tourists travel these country roads -- a brief reprieve from their busy lives, a quiet sigh. Every season of Leelanau has it's own beauty. Soon, the only views they will have are condos and subdivisions, each fighting for its view of "blue."
We gave it our best shot. We will be moving; still in the county, but to where farmers and their quality of life are affordable and appreciated!
About the authors: Bruce and Debra West are the owners of Wests Windy Acres Farm in Northport.
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