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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Notice of Drainage Board Meeting
HALSTEAD INTERCOUNTY DRAIN
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Drainage Board for the said drain will be held at:
10:15 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026
Tuscola County Drain Commissioner’s Office
125 West Lincoln Street, Suite 100
Caro, Michigan
The purpose of this meeting is to conduct necessary and appropriate business of the drainage board (see attached agenda) and any other business that may come before the Board.
Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Michael Rivard
Bay County Drain Commissioner
515 Center Ave., Ste 601
Bay City, Michigan
989-895-4290
Dara Hood
Tuscola County Drain Commissioner
125 W. Lincoln St. Ste 100
Caro, MI 48723
989-672-3820
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 on September 14, 2026.
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development
Brandon Williams
Deputy for the Director
517-331-3661
Agenda
Halstead Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
(Bay & Tuscola Counties)
10:15 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026
Tuscola County Drain Commissioner’s Office
125 West Lincoln Street, Suite 100
Caro, Michigan
1. Call to order and Introductions
Board Members
Brandon Williams, Chair, Michigan Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development
Michael Rivard, Bay County Drain Commissioner
Dara Hood, Tuscola County Drain Commissioner
2. Motion to elect a Secretary
3. Review and set the agenda
4. Approve minutes of July 20, 2026
5. Communications and reports of board members, committees, and consultants
a. Report on Days of Review
b. Authorize signature on Order Revising Drainage District Boundary
c. Review Governance, FOIA, and SESC resolutions
d. 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
125 West Lincoln Street, Suite 100
Caro, Michigan, 48723
Start: September 25, 2026 10:15 AM
End: September 25, 2026 10:30 AM
Notice of Drainage Board Meeting
HALSTEAD INTERCOUNTY DRAIN
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Drainage Board for the said drain will be held at:
10:15 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026
Tuscola County Drain Commissioner’s Office
125 West Lincoln Street, Suite 100
Caro, Michigan
The purpose of this meeting is to conduct necessary and appropriate business of the drainage board (see attached agenda) and any other business that may come before the Board.
Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Michael Rivard
Bay County Drain Commissioner
515 Center Ave., Ste 601
Bay City, Michigan
989-895-4290
Dara Hood
Tuscola County Drain Commissioner
125 W. Lincoln St. Ste 100
Caro, MI 48723
989-672-3820
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 on September 14, 2026.
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
Michigan Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development
Brandon Williams
Deputy for the Director
517-331-3661
Agenda
Halstead Intercounty Drain Drainage Board
(Bay & Tuscola Counties)
10:15 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026
Tuscola County Drain Commissioner’s Office
125 West Lincoln Street, Suite 100
Caro, Michigan
1. Call to order and Introductions
Board Members
Brandon Williams, Chair, Michigan Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development
Michael Rivard, Bay County Drain Commissioner
Dara Hood, Tuscola County Drain Commissioner
2. Motion to elect a Secretary
3. Review and set the agenda
4. Approve minutes of July 20, 2026
5. Communications and reports of board members, committees, and consultants
a. Report on Days of Review
b. Authorize signature on Order Revising Drainage District Boundary
c. Review Governance, FOIA, and SESC resolutions
d. 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