News

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a cattle herd from Alcona County, part of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ). The herd was identified as part of the routine annual whole herd surveillance testing that occurs in the MAZ.

State’s food hub, farm stop grants generate nearly fivefold surge in local food sales, strengthening Michigan’s local food economy LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced outstanding first-year results from its 2025 Food Hub and Farm Stop Grant Program, which was the first investment made by the agency’s innovative Farm to Family Program last summer.

New USDA cost-share requirement to take effect in 2027 LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced an opportunity for residents to help inform funding priorities for Michigan’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a farmed cervid from Hillsdale County, which was identified through the state’s CWD surveillance program.

Multi-year partnership will protect agricultural productivity and empower farmers LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a five-year partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to bolster PFAS monitoring across Michigan, providing farmers with the tools and expertise needed to protect their land, livestock and productivity

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking public comment on a proposed order that would expand bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements in specific portions of Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw counties. A separate order, signed Aug. 1, 2026, established testing in different areas of the three same counties.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a new partnership with the Greater Flint Health Coalition (GFHC) aimed at empowering new and beginning farmers and increasing community access to fresh, locally grown foods. The investment is a key step in MDARD’s ongoing work to strengthen regional food systems and create more opportunities for Michiganders to enjoy food grown right here in Michigan.

New Programs Address Barriers to Recruitment and Retention of Veterinary Professionals, Especially in Rural Areas

With deer season underway, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding hunters and consumers to take care when choosing where to have deer processed, where to donate your harvested deer and where to buy farm-raised venison. Following state rules helps protect you and your loved ones from foodborne illness.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a three year, $3 million partnership with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan to drive a landmark initiative connecting Michigan’s agricultural sector with the rapidly expanding sustainable aviation and maritime fuel industries. The project positions Michigan as a national leader in developing low carbon fuel supply chains while ensuring new economic opportunities flow directly to Michigan farmers.