A cold and dry March

Easily the most intriguing story of the month was the refusal of old man winter to relinquish his icy grip on the northern Michigan landscape with persistent below normal temperatures seen through the month. In addition the month was rather dry with precipitation deficits running a half inch or greater over much of northern lower Michigan. The culprit behind such a cold and dry weather regime was an active lower Ohio Valley storm track which prevented significant warm and moist surges from reaching the northern lakes region.

- a rare (for this season) Alberta clipper tracked across far northern lower Michigan during the early morning hours of March 1st. Snow totals approaching 6 inches were reported in eastern Upper Michigan with a general 1 to 4 inches in The Straits region. Only light accumulations were reported across the remainder of the area.

- The first thunderstorms of the Spring season dotted the northern Michigan landscape during the overnight hours of March 2nd as a strong cold front plowed into unseasonably warm nighttime readings in the 40s and 50s. While not overly excessive rainfall amounts of one half to one inch added to the moisture rich snowpack over eastern Upper Michigan.

- The second Alberta clipper system of the month cut across northern Michigan during the morning of March March 25th. Much like the first one and typical of these systems snow amounts were not excessive ranging from 1 to 5 inches across the area. However wind gusts exceeding 40 mph created extensive blowing and drifting snow creating a very hazardous morning commute.

- On March 31st a strengthening storm system moved northeast along a northward bowing warm front bringing northern Michigan the most significant precipitation event of the month. While precipitation fell mainly as rain across northern lower Michigan with rainfall totals averaging a half inch or more eastern Upper Michigan remained in full wintertime Mode with a winter potpourri of snow sleet and rain. Snowfall totals over eastern upper ranged from an inch or so over eastern areas to a half foot or more over northwest Chippewa County.

We found out this past week that the taxes here at the farm
were increased greatly - so much so in fact
that there is no way we will ever be able to afford them -
Not sure what they are thinking - as they have done it to every farmer in the area - they are taking a lot of the farms that have land that has ALWAYS been ag and rezoning them 401 Residential - even if the land is a "swamp"
but don't try to build there because another dept of the gov. says you can't!
That means there is going to be a flood of farms on the
market & no one to buy them because they will be unable to afford the increased tax!
The powers that be claim they want to preserve the farm land but do they really? They are raising taxes to the point that only developers and seasonal residents
can afford to be here?? They are driving the long time farmers from a life they have always known -
What do you think they will do if the cannot farm -
NOT all of them dreamed of "some beach, some where"
They have also made it so that their children cannot afford to pay taxes on the farms (even if they were to inherit them ) - once they change names on the deed -
the tax rate goes to what the farm would be valued at today!
That in most cases means double or tripling the taxes!
Sure we could put our lands in the Preservation but that is NOT the point- is it!! Sad that they would rather have Condos growing instead of trees!
We are fairly young farmers - we started out w/ grand dreams of helping to keep the land as it is, pristine farm land filled the the mooing of cattle,the roosters crowing YES - the "Roosters of Suttons Bay"
The fragrant blooms of the abundance of fruit blossoms in the spring air - - Fields golden with glow of a plentiful harvest.
Peepers peepin in the low lands - Pastures rolling thru areas where there are few trees -
Growing quietly a better food product for those seeking a better healthier, simpler(?) life style
YES its hard physical labor from sun up to past sun down not hugely rewarding in the monetary way
but so rewarding in so many other areas -an honest way to make a living - We sleep good at night!
Tourists travel these country roads - a brief reprieve from their busy city life
- a quiet sigh - as they catch glimpses of "Big Blue" thru the blossoms on the cherry trees -
or the blanket of white and pink when all is in bloom -
For every season of Leelanau has it's own beauty... sun glistening off the snow covered pines.
Soon the only view they will have is Condos as they rise up
each one fighting for its view of "Blue" only to find it marred with the shape of some man made structure -- Look out Miami - "You ain't seen nothing yet!!"
We gave it our best shot but they took us out of ag. we will be moving...
We will still be in the county but further south where
farmers and their quality are a a bit more affordable & appreciated!

I would like to invite you all to Poppycocks (downtown Traverse City) every Friday & Saturday night to experience some of the areas finest musicians in a smoke free environment. The food and wine is great! Music starts at 9pm. See You there!

7- Neptune Trio
8- Janice Keegan Trio
14 - Neptune Trio
15 - Bill Sears Trio
21 - Don Julin, Kevin Gills, Angelo Meli
22- Don Julin, Ron Getz, Jack Dryden
28 - Crispin Campbell, Don Julin, Glenn Wollf
29 - Janice Keegan Quartet