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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Bernard Barnes
Gratiot County Drain Commissioner
904 East Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
989-875-5207
Robert Willoughby
Isabella County Drain Commissioner
200 North Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
989-772-0911, ext. 247
Those needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the drain 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 in Lansing, Michigan on March 18, 2026.
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development
Brandon Williams
Deputy for the Director
517-331-3661
Agenda
Barnes and Willoughby #705 Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Bass Lake Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Conley Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
County Line Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Gallagher Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Irish Town Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Millet Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
(Gratiot and Isabella Counties)
10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Gratiot County Drain Office
904 East Center Street
Ithaca, Michigan
1. Call to order and Introductions
Board Members
Brandon Williams, Chair, Michigan Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development
Bernard Barnes, Gratiot County Drain Commissioner
Robert Willoughby, Isabella County Drain Commissioner
2. Motion to elect a Secretary
3. Review and set the agenda
4. Approve minutes for Barnes and Willoughby (8/25/2022), Bass Lake (4/10/2023), Conley (8/10/2020), County Line (5/29/2018), Gallagher (9/28/2022), Irish Town (6/27/2007), and Millet (9/30/2024)
5. Communications and reports of board members, committees, and consultants
a. Coordinate upcoming LEO BEAD drain crossing permits
b. Discuss Governance, FOIA, and SESC resolutions
c. Receive the Treasurer’s Report
6. Invoices paid/Drain orders signed
7. Other business
8. Public comment
9. Set the date, time, and location of the next meeting
10. Adjourn
904 East Center Street
Ithaca, Michigan, 48847
Start: March 25, 2026 10:00 AM
End: March 25, 2026 10:30 AM
Bernard Barnes
Gratiot County Drain Commissioner
904 East Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
989-875-5207
Robert Willoughby
Isabella County Drain Commissioner
200 North Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
989-772-0911, ext. 247
Those needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the drain 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 in Lansing, Michigan on March 18, 2026.
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development
Brandon Williams
Deputy for the Director
517-331-3661
Agenda
Barnes and Willoughby #705 Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Bass Lake Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Conley Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
County Line Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Gallagher Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Irish Town Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
Millet Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
(Gratiot and Isabella Counties)
10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Gratiot County Drain Office
904 East Center Street
Ithaca, Michigan
1. Call to order and Introductions
Board Members
Brandon Williams, Chair, Michigan Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development
Bernard Barnes, Gratiot County Drain Commissioner
Robert Willoughby, Isabella County Drain Commissioner
2. Motion to elect a Secretary
3. Review and set the agenda
4. Approve minutes for Barnes and Willoughby (8/25/2022), Bass Lake (4/10/2023), Conley (8/10/2020), County Line (5/29/2018), Gallagher (9/28/2022), Irish Town (6/27/2007), and Millet (9/30/2024)
5. Communications and reports of board members, committees, and consultants
a. Coordinate upcoming LEO BEAD drain crossing permits
b. Discuss Governance, FOIA, and SESC resolutions
c. Receive the Treasurer’s Report
6. Invoices paid/Drain orders signed
7. Other business
8. Public comment
9. Set the date, time, and location of the next meeting
10. Adjourn