finished planting but not before the law was called on me

[Tig]

Our county has exploded with retirees. Some choose villages some chose country side. The ones who complain are called "transplants"
When my family moved to that area in 73 I read that it takes 20 years to be absorbed into the community. Until then you will be some one from some where else.
Our new neighbours four years ago are from the city. I tried to explain private roads and some of the nuances of fitting in. They decided that the best thing to do was buy a round at the local bar because then you will own the entire hick town. That just attracted neer do wells and trouble.
Since then I had to plant a hedge to get them to stop using my septic field as their driveway / service entrance. Asking them to stop only helped when I was standing in my yard.
They also had had me tell them in no uncertain terms that the armload of hard wood and the missing cord was not for the taking when they thought I was not home. If you want some, ask! I was having a bad day and that really ticked me off when I inadvertently caught them stealing it. I could have handled that better.
I have since risen in their graces somewhat as they have alienated all their other neighbours.
They had a run in with the building inspector for ignoring bylaws and also not getting a permit.
They have received a lawyer's letter from a local business to stop them from trespassing on private roads and property. Same basic issue as my septic field.
They had to be confronted to pay for damages they did with a runaway car that hit a neighbour's building.
Other than that, they can be nice enough neighbours at the smile and wave range. I am fixing their right of way with agreement that they pay for materials and I cleared snow for them last winter. No much trouble for me to do that so no charge to them.
They don't come around as much as they used to and they now drive slower. They may adapt or they may move on.

 

[CurlyDave]

When we bought our land ~3 years ago, somewhere in the closing papers was a document which said our land was zoned for both farming and mining. It then pointed out that both of these activities produced noise, odors, dust, etc. and that our neighbors could do do these things.

The concept of calling the law because someone is actually using their land is alien to me.

We moved to the country because we wanted to, and we know better than to bring the city with us.

 

[Soundguy]

I remember looking at some farm land about 18 ys ago, and as we drove downt he dirt road, there was a big wood sign up that said if you don't like flies.. then don't move here..

etc..

soundguy

 

[NuBota]

Slightly off topic - but enjoying this thread and HAVE to chime in.

As a lifelong suburbanite we moved 6 years ago to a subdivision where everyone has 3+ wooded acres and still surrounded by farms. We liked the idea of space but still having a community for the kids. The farm noise is part of the ambiance for us. And even as remote as we are, the farmers near us have a contract with the county to plow the roads. When it snows, we see a couple of tractors (driven by teenagers most times) almost immediately. Our back roads are done before most of the city. I love it. Funny thing is - it is so quiet most of the time, I still wait to fire up equipment till like 10AM (even though I'm up at 5 - ready to go) - since some neighbors are like those mentioned in this thread. Of course I have the one neighbor that let's their kid ride his motor bike all day long in their yard - pretty annoying 'cause 3 ac is not that much space. A case where the city people THINK they have a farm. Guess it "takes all kinds". Everyone else with ATV's etc, have made friends with the farmers that let them ride on their property for recreational riding - works out great.

I work in IT and shared an office with a "family farmer" for over 7 years. The job for him was simply to supplement income. He wanted to farm full time (which he does - man works all the time). Could never comprehend why he liked it so much and would joke with him about it.

Irony is, I am now searching feverishly to find a big chunk of acreage. Mainly the fault of this forum! Bought my toy tractor to make some projects around here easier. Figured I'd be in "mowing" mode most of the time. Not!. Have only mowed with it once (still use the lawn tractor). FEL, BH and RB are always on - one project after another. Should have know that was the first step toward this sickness.... Mama thinks I'm nuts, but is completely on board.

I am completely consumed about getting a farm or ranch. Not saying I want to plant crops or raise livestock - but want to pretend to be. Couple of horses and large vegetable garden would suit me fine. But what a way to retire! I love to work outside and would be a great opportunity to learn all kinds of new things and become more self-reliant. I would like to think I would make a good "farm" neighbor because the noises and smells, to me, are part of it all. The manure smell, while pungent, tells me it's spring. Now I talk to my co-worker all the time about the details of what he does. He just grins - like he converted me to his way of life/thinking.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble. But just wanted to show that some of us city folks are closet farmboys (and girls). And that I understand the frustration you folks experience with the transplants.

 

[charlz]

I remember looking at some farm land about 18 ys ago, and as we drove downt he dirt road, there was a big wood sign up that said if you don't like flies.. then don't move here..

The first year we moved here we had literally _thousands_ of flies about a month after we moved in. I was fairly sure they came from the dairy about 1/2 mile away. Then I noticed my neighbor right on the other side of the fence hadn't cleaned her horse pens in what looked to be a few years. The next spring she cleaned out her pens and sure enough... no flies beyond the usual. The dairy actually cleans their pens daily and piles/composts/manages their manure. Just goes to show the 'usual suspect' may not be guilty

 

[deere755]

I should not have painted such a bad picture of city people. In fact there is a couple who moved here from Chicago a few years back that we have become good friends with. This area used to be strickly Agriculture until the lake went in in the early 70's. Since then it has been an attraction for a lot of people including myself , I use the lake alot and enjoy it very much. There are a few who come here and expect it to be just like the city. It is frustrating when someone builds near a livestock farm and wants them shut down knowing it would smell when they built there. For the most part as this area becomes more and more populated we all seem to get along just fine. I may go and have a talk with the couple who called the law on me and explain why I worked so late. Hopefully we can come to an understanding.

 

[PineRidge]

Thank god for the good neighbors. We live in the country also and are fortunate to have good, caring neighbors. We help each other when the need arises and I have never heard one whine yet.

 

[Tig]

Here's an article about a family near my country place who built too close to a barn. The township made them tear down and move.

 

[Egon]

NuBota

You just have to get some chickens and clean their barn on a regular basis!

 

[cowboy357]

Well this is My first post, So I hope I dont step on anyones toes . But I,m surrounded by farmground & only have one neighbor within 2 square miles basiclly that farms all of the surrounding property .

The only Reason I,m posting, is Because I think its all about respect which lots of Farmers dont seem to have IMO ( & I was brought up on a Large farm ) . Example Last night the wife & I were grilling outdoors & the dust was flying all around Us. Granted, They have to Cut when they have a chance , But The Wife asked them several times to Just give Us a lil Heads up By giving Us a phone call , So We can plan around it , or at Least a chance to close Our windows before the dust flys . I dont think thats asking to much, But Never seems to happen . Sameway with the Huge Sprayers that speed around the fields as well as the cropdusters . It gets Very iritating at times Because They all have Our phone # But never take the time to call.

This Might Seem Piddly to Most, But as I,m Basiclly a Hermit & haven,t left the property for 4 years or so, I dont think its asking to much As I Never bother Anyone . Anyway sorry for the rant , Just hadto put My 2 bits in. & Make My first post .

BTW, This is a great site & I will have tons of Questions down the road & Hopefully I can help answer some as well. Thanks to all involved . CB