Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
Find a schedule of MDARD's public meetings online, or locate regularly published reports below.
Official press releases, articles, media contact information, email subscription options, social media accounts: everything you need to stay informed, all in one spot.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends and determines policy on food, agricultural, and rural development issues. MDARD oversees several additional boards and commissions.
Want to know how to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development? On this page you will find phone numbers, email addresses, snail mail addresses, and online contact forms for everything we do here at MDARD. We even have a complaint form for those of you with complaints.
Live, work and play in Michigan's robust and diverse food and agriculture industry.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Animal ID and movement requirements in the State of Michigan
Animal health resources for veterinary professionals.
Information on how to acquire a feed license to manufacture or distribute commercial feed in Michigan.
Rules governing the disposal of Bodies of Dead Animals (BODA).
Materials developed to provide information on how an individual may become a qualified Animal Control Officer.
Find funding for your organization.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health and water quality
MAEAP helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. We are here to help and recognize farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.
MDARD works with local providers of natural resource management services that help citizens implement conservation on their land and protect the environment for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Michigan.
Farmland Preservation
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
The food industry is responsible for producing safe food. Government sets standards, conducts inspections, and monitors food. Consumers also play a huge role in keeping their food safe and wholesome. Learn more.
Find a licensed firm in Michigan, from pesticide businesses to retail establishments, and more.
For the registration of horses, breeders and owners so as to render them eligible for racing and breeder/owner awards.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
Retail Motor Fuel Outlet licensing information, applications and forms.
Information on Weights & Measures service person and agency registration, as well as weights and measures advisories.
For help with the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides, including labels and integrated pest management.
The plant health program protects agricultural and environmental resources through the early detection and management of invasive species and the inspection of plants and plant products for pests and diseases, while facilitating international and domestic commerce.
Each new, existing, and proposed commercial pesticide or fertilizer bulk storage facility is required to register annually with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
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Performing soil health assessments (SHAs) is an important way to create baselines and benchmark progress. SHAs can include information from grower observations, shovel tests, laboratory soil sample analysis, or a combination of these. Growers might note where yields are declining or improving, how crop performance compares to neighboring farms, areas where ponding occurs, or other observations. Shovel tests can be used to identify soil qualities including structure, color, porosity, biological diversity, and root health. Laboratory soil sample analysis offers comprehensive measurements of key physical, chemical, and biological metrics in the soil, including organic matter, nutrients, microbial activity, and aggregate stability. With the help of technical assistance providers or other advisors, growers can utilize any and all of the described approaches to understand the condition of their soil and develop a soil health management plan for improvement. Growers should be aware that, depending on several factors, soils can take years or decades to show meaningful changes – a SHA is not recommended more than once every two years.
| Engaged | Advanced | Leading |
| SHA is conducted once every 2-5 years. Soil health management planning is used to document management practices and soil health outcomes. | Two SHAs are conducted within 4-8 years. SHA results indicate an improvement in one or more component(s) of the SHA. | Three SHAs are conducted within 6-10 years. Soil health management plans indicate an improvement in more than one component of the SHE. The grower consistently observes and records soil conditions. |