• Expiration: never
• Fee: none
• Contact: mda-dairyinfo@michigan.gov 517-373-1060
• Forms: DY-300

Who needs a license?

If you want to sell raw milk for processing into any Grade A milk or milk products you are required to have a Grade A Dairy farm permit, regardless of the size of the farm.

What fees are required? How long is the license good for? Is it pro-rated?

There is no fee. In Michigan the plant pays the fee.

How do I apply for a license?

An individual should contact the regional office in their area for more information regarding becoming a dairy farm.

Are there any special requirements to obtain a license?

Yes.  An inspection and a water sample are required.  In addition there are a number of other requirements.
Additional information - Summary of Requirements for Grade "A" Dairy Farm Milk Production

Who do I contact for an inspection?

An individual who is interested in being a milk transportation company should contact one of the dairy regional offices or the Lansing office.  See MAP.

Establishing a new Dairy Farm in accordance with the Grade "A" Milk Law of 2001

1. Read manual  DY-348, "Summary of Requirements for Grade "A" Dairy Farm Milk Production in Michigan."
   
   
2. Contact the MDA regional office nearest the proposed new farm location to set up a meeting with a Michigan Department of Agriculture dairy inspector. 
   
   
3. The inspector will work with the prospective dairy farmer through the planning and development stages, until the farm meets licensing and inspection criteria.
   
   
4. For further information, review:
   
   
   • New Dairy Farm Application Form (DY-300)
   • Grade "A" Dairy Inspection Form (DY-346 front & back)
   • Drug Residue Investigative Report (DY-321 front)
   • Ten Common Reasons Antibiotic Contamination Occurs in Bulk Tank Milk (DY-321 back)

These may or may not apply to your specific situation.

5. Once the farm is established and issued a permit, any future changes need to be reviewed with the local inspector.
   
   
6. Some fees may apply -- $15 fee if the newly established farm ships its milk out of state for processing or if the newly established farm does its own milk processing or marketing. Application form DY-315 is required.
   
   
7. Requests for additional information can be made by email at
   mda-dairyinfo@michigan.gov
   
   
8. Some construction plan tips

Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance of 2007