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.
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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Candice Miller
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner
21777 Dunham
Clinton Township, MI 48036
586-469-5325
Elmeka Steele
Wayne CountyDrain Commissioner
400 Monroe St, Ste 400
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-3620
Bryan Babcock
City of St. Clair Shores
Director of Public Works & Water
19700 Pleasant Dr.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
586-445-5363
Jim Kowalski
City of Grosse Pointe Woods
Director of Public Works
1200 Parkway Drive
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
313-343-2460
Those needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the drain/public works commissioner of their county at the number listed above or may use the Michigan Relay Center by calling 711 for deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired persons.
Dated on February 20, 2026.
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of
Agriculture & Rural Development
Joseph P. Brezvai
Deputy for the Director
517-388-3067
Agenda
Milk River Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
(Macomb and Wayne Counties)
10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026
Southeast Macomb Sanitary District Headquarters
20001 Pleasant Street
St. Clair Shores, Michigan
1. Call to order and Introductions
Board Members
Joseph Brezvai, Chair, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Elmeka N. Steele, Esq., Wayne County Drain Commissioner, Wayne County
Candice Miller, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner, Macomb County
Bryan Babcock, P.E., Director of Public Works/Water, City of St. Clair Shores
Jim Kowalski, Director of Public Works, City of Grosse Pointe Woods
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the Minutes for:
a. December 18, 2025, Regular Drainage Board Meeting
4. Reports
a. Operations and Maintenance P. Trombley/K. Walby/K. Seidel
b. Priority 1B and Select Improvements Project R. Strassburg
- Construction Update
5. New Business
a. Update on NPDES Permits SEMSD
b. Girard Drain 2025 Q4 Report K. Seidel
c. MRIDDD 2025 End of Year System Summary K. Seidel
d. FY 2026 Q2 Financial Report Wayne County
6. Unfinished Business
a. Generator – Project/Funding E. Steele
b. Plume Study – Review of Work Plan Letter from EGLE Tetra Tech
7. Approval of the SEMSD Pass-Thru Invoice (December and January 2025)
8. Public Comment
9. Next Drainage Board Meeting: Thursday, April 23, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.
10. Adjournment
Start: February 26, 2026 10:00 AM
End: February 26, 2026 12:00 PM
Candice Miller
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner
21777 Dunham
Clinton Township, MI 48036
586-469-5325
Elmeka Steele
Wayne CountyDrain Commissioner
400 Monroe St, Ste 400
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-3620
Bryan Babcock
City of St. Clair Shores
Director of Public Works & Water
19700 Pleasant Dr.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
586-445-5363
Jim Kowalski
City of Grosse Pointe Woods
Director of Public Works
1200 Parkway Drive
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
313-343-2460
Those needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the drain/public works commissioner of their county at the number listed above or may use the Michigan Relay Center by calling 711 for deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired persons.
Dated on February 20, 2026.
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of
Agriculture & Rural Development
Joseph P. Brezvai
Deputy for the Director
517-388-3067
Agenda
Milk River Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
(Macomb and Wayne Counties)
10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026
Southeast Macomb Sanitary District Headquarters
20001 Pleasant Street
St. Clair Shores, Michigan
1. Call to order and Introductions
Board Members
Joseph Brezvai, Chair, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Elmeka N. Steele, Esq., Wayne County Drain Commissioner, Wayne County
Candice Miller, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner, Macomb County
Bryan Babcock, P.E., Director of Public Works/Water, City of St. Clair Shores
Jim Kowalski, Director of Public Works, City of Grosse Pointe Woods
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the Minutes for:
a. December 18, 2025, Regular Drainage Board Meeting
4. Reports
a. Operations and Maintenance P. Trombley/K. Walby/K. Seidel
b. Priority 1B and Select Improvements Project R. Strassburg
- Construction Update
5. New Business
a. Update on NPDES Permits SEMSD
b. Girard Drain 2025 Q4 Report K. Seidel
c. MRIDDD 2025 End of Year System Summary K. Seidel
d. FY 2026 Q2 Financial Report Wayne County
6. Unfinished Business
a. Generator – Project/Funding E. Steele
b. Plume Study – Review of Work Plan Letter from EGLE Tetra Tech
7. Approval of the SEMSD Pass-Thru Invoice (December and January 2025)
8. Public Comment
9. Next Drainage Board Meeting: Thursday, April 23, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.
10. Adjournment