Chemistry
In 1957, the Department of Agriculture Laboratory, was named in honor of William C. Geagley, the first State Chemist and Director. The laboratory just completed a renovation project readying the Depatrment's analytical services for the new century.

St. Lawrence Seaway, 1977 
The St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 19.. opening Michigan's ports directly to international markets. The Department markets Michigan's products around the worked. Each year, Michigan exports agricultural commodities valued at nearly $2 billion, ranking Michigan sixth in the nation for agricultural exports. The opening of the Seaway and air transport has also become a challenge to MDA, to protect or state from foreign invaders like . . .

Rachel Carson Issue 
Rachel Carson, born May 9, 1936, is the author of Silent Spring   Her book roused the nation to ban DDT.

Humane Treatment of Animals
The humane treatment of animals is a priority of the Animal Industry Division. Through the licensing and regulation of animal shelters, dog pounds, pet shops, riding stables and research facilities, the Animal Industry Division safeguards the health and welfare of animals.

National Grange

Harvey W. Wiley Issue

Wiley and his "poison patrol" were instrumental in the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. this stamp commorates the 50 anniversary of the signing of the act which began an era of consumer protection.

The Department enforces standards that grew out of Harvey's work.

Christmas 1963 Issue
This stamp shows the National Christmas Tree on the Elipse before the White House in Washington, D.C.

Michigan's Christmas tree industry is valued at $100 million with trees distributed to 38 states, Mexico and Canada.November 17, 1963.

Henry Ford. (issued July 30, 1968).

Henry Ford, Michigan born automaker and industrialist may not seem to belong with agriculture. However, Ford was interested in promoting agriculture. His gasoline powered tractors revolutionized farming practice. Ford also experimented with the industrial use of bio-products.

Horse Racing
The Office of Racing Commissioner (ORC) is an independent agency within MDA that regulates parimutuel horse racing in Michigan. MDA is committed to regulating and enhancing the equine industry through pari-mutual and county fairs. Michigan ranks ... in the United States in . . . horse . . . Michigan has an estimated equine population of 130,000. racing.

Energy Development
The Motor Fuel Quality Program regulates the sale and quality of motor fuels through licensing, investigation, inspection and sampling to ensure the fuels that consumers buy contain the proper materials and abide by legal standards. The Motor Fuels Quality section performs octane, alcohol, lead and additional tests to ensure the quality of motor fuels purchased by Michigan citizens

Consumer Education
Consumer Protection is a by-word for the Department. MDA is committed to protecting consumers from economic deception in weights and measures, gasoline, food and agricultural products.

The E. C. Heffron Metrology Laboratory focuses on protecting consumers from short measure.

Soil Conservation and Water Conservation 
"The importance of contour plowing to those who farm and raise livestock and, in turn, the vital relationship of farming and livestock raising to the urban area, has been used as a theme " for this stamp. Annual meeting of the Soil Conservation Society of America.

Water Conservation "stamp was issued to call attention to the urgency of water conservation throughout the nation with special emphasis on the protection and improvement of vital water resources."  Seventh National Watershed Congress.