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.
This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos
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.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
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
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.
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.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
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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The Horse Racing Advisory Commission was created within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in this state and make recommendations to the legislature that would improve the regulatory structure of horse racing with a goal of maintaining its long-term viability in Michigan.
Equine Grant Program: This grant program provides funding for the promotion and marketing of horse racing, equine related research, equine related support and aftercare, and other equine related or horse racing programs.
The Commission is comprised of seven members appointed by the Governor. Members serve four-year terms subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
2021 Horse Racing Advisory Commission Annual Report (PDF)
2022-2024 Horse Racing Advisory Commission Annual Report (PDF)
Thomas J. Barrett, Novi
tbarr35223@aol.com
Represents statewide horse racing associations
Term ends: Oct. 31, 2024
Michael Carlo, Northville
mcarlo@northvilledowns.com
Represents owners or operators of horse racetracks in Michigan
Term ends: Oct. 31, 2024
William G. Frank, DVM, Warren
wmfrank3@outlook.com
Represents veterinarians
Term ends: Oct. 31, 2024
Brian D. Nielsen, Ph.D., Mason
517-432-1378
Represents individuals who have knowledge about and expertise in horse racing in Michigan
Term ends: Oct. 31, 2024
Jeff Haarer, Lansing
haarerj@michigan.gov
Represents the designee of the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Term ends: Oct. 31, 2028
Jeff Haarer
Producer Security and Ag Products Manager
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
haarerj@michigan.gov
517-896-2236
Deborah A. Stabenow Building
Option to join via remote technology: Dial by telephone: 1-248-509-0316, Conf. ID: 134 078 798#
Deborah A. Stabenow Building
Option to join via remote technology: Dial by telephone: 1-248-509-0316, Conf. ID: 878 494 216#
August 14, 2025
August 14, 2025 Meeting Agenda
August 14, 2025 Meeting Documents
June 12, 2025
June 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2025 Meeting Documents
April 17, 2025
April 17, 2025 Meeting Agenda
April 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes
April 17, 2025 Meeting Notice
February 13, 2025
October 24, 2024
October 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2024
September 5, 2024 Meeting Agenda
September 5, 2024 Meeting Notice
September 5, 2024 Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2024
March 14, 2024 Meeting Agenda
March 14, 2024 Meeting Notice
March 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2023
December 7, 2023 Meeting Agenda
December 7, 2023 Meeting Notice
October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023 Meeting Agenda
October 26, 2023 Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2023 Meeting Notice
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023 Meeting Agenda
August 24, 2023 Meeting Minutes
August 24, 2023 Meeting Notice
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023 Meeting Agenda
July 20, 2023 Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2023 Meeting Notice
June 15, 2023 Meeting Agenda
June 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023 Meeting Notice
March 16, 2023
March 16, 2023 Meeting Agenda
March 16, 2023 Meeting Minutes
March 16, 2023 Meeting Notice
August 18, 2022
August 18, 2022 Meeting Agenda
August 18, 2022 Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2022 Meeting Notice
May 26, 2022
May 26, 2022 Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2022 Meeting Agenda
May 26, 2022 Meeting Notice
March 1, 2022
March 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2022 Meeting Agenda
January 11, 2022
January 11, 2022 Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2022 Meeting Agenda
December 14, 2021
December 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2021 Meeting Agenda
November 9, 2021
November 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2021 Meeting Agenda
October 12, 2021
October 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2021 Meeting Agenda
August 24, 2021
August 24, 2021 Meeting Minutes
August 24, 2021 Meeting Agenda
June 30, 2021