Upper Peninsula of Michigan Homestead Plan

[super55]

For a tractor in the UP and for a small farming operation doing hay you soon realize that two tractors will be more of an ideal situation.

For the amount of snow they get a cabbed tractor with at least a 5' front mount blower is almost a necessity. It gets cold up there and snow accumulations of 12+ are not uncommon. An upper 30s to low 40s 4wd should handle that without issue as long as you are running a set of chains. Plowing snow is quick and easy but with their accumulations and if in an area prone to drifting you'll find yourself "snowed in" in less then 12 hours on windy days.

For firewood and some farm chores an open cab typically works better. Their clearance is much lower, typically faster to get in and out of and one low hanging branch can be a costly repair to a glass panel. Plus having a spare is a nice luxury to have if your other one gets stuck or ends up breaking down.

As for a hay operation, Definitely do your research before investing in the equipment. Goats don't require a ton of feed and might be more economical to settle in an area where there is some agriculture and purchase from a farmer. Producing hay solo can be very laborious and time consuming task. These farmers will also be able to give you accurate information on the timberwolves in the area and impact on livestock. Up in the UP a lot of times fencing isn't so much to keep animals in as it is to keep certain animals out.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

My plan is a homestead for raising goats (meat and dairy) and chickens (meat and eggs) mainly but also worms, bees, and perhaps other things. Add hunting, fishing, growing, gathering, and all that to achieve food independence. I will achieve year-round food independence with a little surplus I can use as gifts or barter. I'm on the carnivore diet since surviving a battle with cancer. So the plan is for the land to feed my animals and for the animals to feed me. To feed the goats I'm ballparking around 5+ acres for hay and I'm looking at: mower/cutter, tedder/windrower, and mini-baler. I'm also looking at harvesting firewood and tree chores. I'm also looking at snow moving. Hay, wood harvesting, and snow are the big three for me.

You might as well add maple syrup to the list. If I lived somewhere it was viable I would be into that 100%.

 

[ArlyA]

Where are you looking? Snow loads vary vastly across the UP. Even within a few miles can vary 50+ inches a year. Connect with locals before buying is my recommendation. I am willing to help too if desired.

Did the OP ever say where his dream site is?

 

[johnsayen]

Did the OP ever say where his dream site is?

I don’t think so