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.
Official press releases, articles, media contact information, email subscription options, social media accounts: everything you need to stay informed, all in one spot.
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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May 06, 2026
LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission (HRAC) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Equine Grants.
The grants will provide a total of $125,000 to support the following six projects:
The Equine Grant Program, established by the Horse Racing Law of 1995 and supported by the HRAC, provides grant funding to support:
To qualify for equine grants, entities must:
A joint evaluation committee reviews grant applications through a competitive process with final decisions made by the HRAC. For more information about equine grants, visit the Equine Grant Program web page.
The HRAC is an entity within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) that establishes procedures governing the operation and promotion of horse racing in Michigan. For more information, visit the HRAC web page.
Visit MDARD's grant web page for more information about agriculture and rural development funding opportunities.
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Media Contact:
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced $525,000 of grants to fund infrastructure improvements at county fairground facilities and to support livestock and commodity expositions.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a cattle herd from Iosco County. Following a bovine TB detection in an adult cow identified at a United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant, the animal was traced back to the Iosco County herd. The herd was subsequently tested, and additional bovine TB cases were found.
As the spring wild-foraged mushroom season gets underway, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding foragers, retailers and consumers that the Michigan Food Code requires all wild-foraged mushrooms to be inspected and found safe by a certified mushroom identification expert before they can be sold.
Proposals due June 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced that it will accept proposals for Food Safety Education Fund (FSEF) grants now through Tuesday, June 16 at 5 p.m. ET.
Projects build resilience across the middle of Michigan’s food supply chain
The program’s mobile veterinary unit will support the development of new generations of animal health professionals, ensuring the continued protection of animal and public health throughout Michigan
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board (MAPFB) announced today that they have awarded nearly $2 million of Agricultural Preservation Fund grants to permanently protect farmland in seven counties and townships.
To mark National Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is calling on Michiganders to protect their landscapes and the state’s natural resources from invasive pests this spring.