Judge Upholds Zoning Ruling Against Michigan Goat Farmer

RICHLAND, Mich. (AP) - A ruling has been upheld on appeal against a Kalamazoo County farmer fined for his 3-acre goat and garden farm.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Ben Martin raises goats for meat and grows vegetables in Richland Township on property zoned as agriculture-residential. Zoning officials cited him for violations for having the goats on land smaller than five acres and putting up a temporary structure to protect crops.

Martin argued he's protected by Michigan's Right to Farm law, but a judge ruled against him in August. Martin got letters from the state Department of Agriculture saying he was now in compliance with the law, but the appeals judge ruled Monday the letters weren't dated in time for the initial ruling.

The ruling means Martin is on the hook for more than $14,500 in legal fees. His attorney says they'll consider further appeal.