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 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 08, 2026
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising consumers to avoid using or consuming certain products produced by Dancing Goat Creamery at its Ionia County processing plant. Inspectors identified potential for undeclared ingredients such as peanut butter, eggs and soy as well as unsanitary conditions, posing possible health risks. Individuals who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to items such as eggs, peanuts or soy may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
Any Dancing Goat or Goats Best brand products produced prior to May 4, 2026, may be unsafe for consumption and should be removed by retailers and discarded. Retail invoices may list Brookwood Farm or Brookwood Farm Creamery as the seller. Consumers are encouraged to check their freezers and refrigerators for affected products. Products include various packaged goat s milk cheeses, gelato, and fluid goat s milk.
During a recent inspection, MDARD staff observed unsanitary processing and storage conditions not meeting federal and state food and dairy safety requirements, including practices that could lead to contamination. Producing dairy products under unsanitary conditions means processing with dirty equipment or contaminated raw ingredients, increasing the potential for product contamination with pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
At this time, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever after consuming these products should contact a healthcare provider.
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Bucket with cheese with mold
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Blender with powdered peanut butter ingredient
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Example of a brand label
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding private landowners that applications to enroll in the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) are due September 1, 2026 to receive the associated tax exemption for the 2027 tax year.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced $50,000 of horticulture fund grants to support innovative research projects that advance Michigan’s $1.4 billion nursery and ornamental horticulture industry.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is partnering with the Food Export Association of the Midwest (Food Export) to bring international food and beverage buyers from 17 countries to Detroit for the Summer in the Cities Buyers' Mission (SITC) on August 10, 2026. Early registration for the event is open until June 12.
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The State of Michigan today released its first annual report under the updated Domestic Action Plan (DAP) for reducing the phosphorus runoff that feeds harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie. The DAP outlines measures to reduce phosphorus loads in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) by a sustained 40 percent over a baseline measurement taken in 2008. The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); and Natural Resources (DNR) updated the DAP in 2025 to introduce innovative new strategies for meeting the phosphorus reduction target.