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.
Farmland Preservation
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
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.
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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February 04, 2026
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will conduct a referendum on the Michigan Wheat Program from Monday, February 9 through Friday, February 20, 2026.
MDARD organizes referenda every five years for commodity organizations enabled by Public Act 232 of 1965. The Michigan Wheat Program sunsets this year and wheat producers now have the opportunity to vote on continuing the program. Michigan producers eligible to vote in this year's referendum are those who:
MDARD mailed ballots for the referendum to Michigan wheat producers on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Eligible producers with questions, or those who do not receive a ballot, should contact MDARD at P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909, or call toll-free (800) 292-3939. Eligible producers may also request a ballot by sending an e-mail to Guardiolaj1@michigan.gov.
All ballots must be received in the MDARD Lansing office or postmarked no later than Friday, February 20, 2026.
The Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act (P.A. 232 of 1965) enables the creation of programs to promote the profitable production, marketing and utilization of agriculture commodities produced in Michigan. These programs must be approved via referendum every five years by more than 50 percent of voting commodity producers whose collective output represents more than 50 percent of the volume of the affected agricultural commodity produced in Michigan. Approved programs use producer assessments or check-offs to fund their research, education and marketing activities.
The Michigan Wheat Program was established by a referendum of the state's wheat producers in June 2011. Majorities of voting wheat producers supported the program s continuation via referenda held in 2016 and 2021.
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Keep it Safe and Local for a Winning Spread. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding party hosts to prioritize food safety when preparing and serving game day snacks for Super Bowl Sunday with these tips
Feeling the chill? Chances are your animals are too. As extremely cold temperatures settle in around the state, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals warm and safe.
Funding supports and enhances the state’s growing craft beer, hard cider, spirits and wine industries . The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced today that it has awarded $439,460 of research and education grants to further strengthen Michigan’s world-renowned craft beer, wine, spirits and hard cider industries.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting applications for its new Regenerative Farmer Network Grant, which will support farmers in implementing practices that improve soil health, protect water quality and promote the long-term sustainability and profitability of Michigan agriculture.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for county fair and exposition grants until 5 p.m. ET on March 18, 2026.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is providing food and drinking water safety reminders as extreme winter weather leaves tens of thousands of Michiganders without power Monday evening.