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.
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.
Food Industry Related Resources, including Emergency Action Plans
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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July 17, 2026
Proclamation recognizes 89 years of local conservation services for Michiganders
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July 17 Conservation District Day to honor the hard work and dedication of the conservation districts that provide local natural resource management assistance to farmers, landowners and communities throughout Michigan.
"Conservation districts helped our state and our country recover from the Dust Bowl that accompanied the Great Depression, and they’ve played an important role in protecting agriculture and the environment ever since," said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring. "From helping farms implement regenerative practices that protect soil health to supporting landowners as they develop forest management plans, conservation districts are the boots on the ground that protect the natural resources we cherish.”
Conservation District Day commemorates the 89th anniversary of Public Act 297 of 1937, which established Michigan’s first Soil Conservation Districts. That law was enacted in response to the Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought and soil erosion that devastated U.S. agriculture in the 1930s.
Since 1937, the scope and responsibility of Michigan's conservation districts have grown far beyond the original focus of preventing agricultural soil erosion. Today, these local units of government contribute to important statewide agriculture and environmental initiatives including:
Earlier this year, MDARD awarded nearly $300,000 of regenerative agriculture and outreach grants to help conservation districts fund and organize events that promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and that strengthen farmer-to-farmer networks. Michiganders can learn more about these events and sign up to attend by visiting MDARD’s regenerative agriculture education and outreach events web page.
To learn more about Michigan conservation districts and their programs and services, visit the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts’ website.
Program Contact:
Media Contact:
Thursday afternoon, Director Tim Boring of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) joined owner Mike Hildebrand and local leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hildebrand Fruit Farms' new packing facility. The expansion comes as the family farm is set to celebrate its centennial next year. The new packing facility was funded in part by a grant from MDARD’s Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP).
Michigan’s State Veterinarian released the following statement in response to the ongoing statewide air quality alert: “Animals react to poor air conditions much like humans do, and certain groups—such as birds, young or older animals, and those with heart or respiratory issues—face higher risks during air quality alerts,” said State Veterinarian, Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “MDARD urges owners to monitor their animals for signs of coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, watery eyes, low energy, changes in how they sound, reduced appetite and reduced thirst. If you see anything concerning, contact your veterinarian.”
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced nearly $500,000 of grant funding to build twelve regenerative farmer networks that will promote sustainable farming throughout the state.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering the following food safety reminders to help Michiganders prepare for Fourth of July picnics and barbecues.
Secure your animals and make sure they have proper identification to keep them safe this holiday
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking public comment on two proposed orders that would establish bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements in specific portions of Antrim, Arenac, Charlevoix, Iosco and Ogemaw counties.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed the state's first detection of elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) in St. Clair County. The invasive insect was identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly this summer.
Effective June 17, Michigan implements new domestic animal entry requirements to prevent spread of NWS LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced new domestic animal movement requirements designed to keep New World screwworm (NWS) out of Michigan