Learn about MDARD's four bureaus, including contact information, by clicking the above link, or view specific information below.
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.
Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
This area contains information for press and media agencies. Press Releases, Pics, Podcasts & Videos
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.
Information about how MDARD's Agriculture Development Division can help you grow your business in Michigan.
Michigan's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was created to help protect our environment and wildlife. Michigan is partnering with the federal government to implement conservation practices of great significance to the state, and valuable to the nation, in matters of soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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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April 28, 2023
National Stewardship Week runs April 30 - May 7, 2023
LANSING – With National Conservation Week just around the corner, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is not only celebrating the ways the department works with programs and partners to implement conservation practices in the agricultural community, but also showcasing how Michiganders can help conserve and protect the state’s water resources.
Celebrated annually since 1955, National Stewardship Week is one of the largest national programs promoting natural resource conservation. This year, it will be held the week of April 30 through May 7. The week is designed to shine a spotlight on the conservation efforts to preserve our ecology, natural resources, water quality and combat climate change.
In Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed fiscal year 2024 executive budget, there is $10 million to support and implement additional climate smart, regenerative agriculture operations to further conservation practices across the state. These conservation practices help protect and preserve Michigan’s water and natural resources for future generations.
“Water is the foundation for healthy ecosystems, farming, and agriculture. It is also a fundamentally important part of our daily lives. With Michigan being surrounded by 20 percent of the planet’s fresh surface water, following conservation practices benefits every Michigander,” said Tim Boring, MDARD Director. “Agriculture has an important role to play to improve water quality in our lakes, rivers, and watersheds. Together, through a variety of programs and local, state, and federal partnerships, we can make a tangible difference in our environment.”
This year’s, the National Association of Conservation Districts, the driver behind National Conservation Week, chose the theme of, “One Water,” to recognize the role watersheds play in ecosystems. Watersheds are areas of land that drain rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers leading to a bay, lake, or ocean. Every Michigander uses and lives within a watershed, even urban communities, which is why the health of our watersheds in fundamental to our daily lives.
"Fresh water is the basic foundation of our daily life. Humans need clean fresh water just as much as plants, fish, birds, pets, livestock, wildlife, or other animals need it,” said Dan Moilanen, executive director, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD). “Stewardship Week 2023 celebrates the role we all can play in keeping our water clean and usable for all."
Healthy watersheds provide clean drinking water, healthy habitats for wildlife, water for agriculture which feeds our families and communities, outdoor recreation, and much more. MDARD, local conservation districts, and other partners work together with producers to protect the state’s watersheds through implementation of conservation practices aimed at improving local water quality.
For more information on MDARD’s conservation programs and partnerships, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard and click on the “Environment” button.
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MDARD Media Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-242-2575
MDARD Program Contact: John Switzer, 517-881-5172