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

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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 2001