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.
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.
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.
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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December 02, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed December as Michigan Christmas Tree Month, honoring the economic, environmental and social benefits of the state’s Christmas tree industry. To celebrate the start of the month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) toured Peacock Road Family Farm in Laingsburg. Photos are available at this link for use in publication.
“Real Michigan Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many families, whether you visit a Christmas tree farm or a retail tree lot,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “You not only get a fresh, fragrant, beautiful tree as the centerpiece of your celebrations, but at many locations you also get to experience activities like hayrides or sleigh rides, petting farms, visits with Santa and more. We continue to see that Michiganders are interested in connecting directly with agriculture, and establishments like Peacock Road Family Farm are really the fabric of our state culture this time of year.”
Michigan's integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers work together to ensure a quality product celebrated by millions throughout our state and country.
The state ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying about two million fresh trees – with an annual net value of more than $45 million – to the national market each year. There are more than 500 Christmas tree farms on a combined 33,000 acres in Michigan, ranging from large wholesale farms, to choose and cut farms, to small farms with a few acres selling pre-cut trees.
“Michigan’s Christmas tree industry delivers more than just holiday cheer,” said Amy Start, Executive Director of MCTA. “It generates jobs, supports environmental sustainability, and provides joy to millions of families during the holiday season. It means a lot to know Gov. Whitmer supports our industry and celebrates our role as a memory maker for Michiganders.”
Michigan grows and sells more than a dozen Christmas tree varieties on a wholesale level, which is more species than any other state. The most popular types of Christmas trees available in Michigan are Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir and Canaan fir. In addition to Christmas trees, the industry makes an additional $5 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland and other fresh greenery products.
“The holidays are always a magical time at Peacock Road Family Farm, and we’re excited to welcome families back to the farm this Christmas season,” said Farm General Manager Christian Voorheis. “You can take a wagon ride out to the field to cut your own tree or choose from our pre-cut lot and visit Santa in his cabin, roast marshmallows at a firepit, sip cocoa, buy lunch or a snack, visit our Christmas store, and leave with a beautiful Christmas tree, a warm heart and lasting holiday memories.”
Real Christmas trees are also a great environmental choice. They grow on rocky soil typically unsuitable for other crops and provide extra woodland for animals, create oxygen, and take carbon dioxide out of the air, helping combat global warming. Christmas trees are renewable resources and 100 percent recyclable. The best way to recycle your tree after Christmas is to chip it into mulch, which can be used for landscaping projects.
Christmas trees take six to eight years to reach marketable height. For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan growers plant three new trees for future harvests.
Visit MCTA’s website or the Michigan Agritourism website to find a Christmas tree farm or retail/wholesale lot, and places offering family friendly holiday activities near you.
For information on where to recycle Christmas trees after the holiday season, check with your local municipality or area recycler or visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Michigan Recycling Directory and use the keywords “Christmas trees” in the search bar.
Read the Michigan Christmas Tree Month proclamation.
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Alert of nationwide outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The outbreak occurred after two horses that attended the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas in early November were confirmed to have the disease
Enjoy the delights of the holiday without causing discomfort and stress for pets. As Michiganders put the final touches on their holiday menus and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this Thanksgiving.
Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock from Ontonagon County.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages Michiganders to keep food safety top of mind as they gather with loved ones during the holiday season. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your holiday feast is safe to eat:
MDARD Awards Over $3.1 Million Through Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program Projects build resilience across the middle of the supply chain
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a beef herd from Presque Isle County, located north of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ).
Following multiple investigations by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in three commercial flocks from Ottawa County, one backyard flock in Monroe County, and a backyard flock in St. Clair County