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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.
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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.
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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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June 05, 2025
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) unveiled an interactive artisanal dairy products map today to mark National Dairy Month this June.
"Dairy is a leading sector of Michigan's agriculture industry and has a significant impact on the state's economy," said MDARD Director Tim Boring during a visit to Verdant Hollow Farms in Buchanan earlier today. "National Dairy Month provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the contributions of dairy farmers and processors to Michigan's economy and encourage dairy consumption to promote healthy eating habits."
Since 1939, National Dairy Month has encouraged families to celebrate milk as their beverage of choice based on its nutritional value. As part of this year's Dairy Month celebration, MDARD created the virtual Michigan artisanal cheese, milk, and ice cream map to help consumers find delicious, locally produced specialty products throughout the state. The map features 11 Michigan dairy farms and processors from across the state specializing in small batch production of dairy cow and dairy goat products.
Michigan's robust dairy industry includes nearly 850 dairy family farms and over 444,000 cows, which produce enough milk to supply our entire state while meeting increased consumer demand nationally. From milk and cheese to yogurt, ice cream, and more, dairy farmers provide consumers with an abundant selection of healthy, safe and nutritious food.
Michigan dairy businesses use a range of technologies, from large dairy processors with automated 'robotic' milking systems to smaller on-farm artisanal cheese makers making cheese in small batches. MDARD is committed to supporting unique, diverse agricultural practices that support farms of all sizes, which in turn helps Michigan's economy continue to thrive.
For high-resolution photos from Director Boring's visit to Verdant Hollow Farms, visit MDARD's Flickr page.
For nutrition information about dairy products, visit USDA's MyPlate page.
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