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
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.
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.
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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September 15, 2026
Mosquitoes will continue to be active until there has been a hard freeze; take precautions to protect your animals, yourself, and your family
LANSING, Mich. —The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed the state’s first detection of West Nile virus (WNV) in a three-year-old standardbred-Friesian mare from Missaukee County. This is the first case of West Nile virus reported in a domestic animal for 2026. The mare is currently responding to medical treatment and is believed to be unvaccinated.
“Despite the recent cooler nightly temperatures being experienced around Michigan, the mosquitoes carrying diseases like WNV, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and other mosquito-borne diseases will remain alive and active until there has been at least one hard freeze where the temperatures fall below 28 degrees Fahrenheit,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “Until this hard freeze happens, it’s important Michiganders continue taking all possible precautions to keep mosquitoes away from animals, themselves and their families.”
West Nile virus is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the disease typically affects horses, humans, and birds, it can sometimes cause illness in other animals. The disease is not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact. Cases of WNV are typically seen in the late summer through early fall each year in Michigan.
Placing livestock in a barn under fans during peak mosquito activity (from dusk to dawn), eliminating standing water on one’s property, using an insect repellant on animals approved for the species, and contacting a veterinarian to vaccinate horses against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases are all vital measures to take in order to keep animals healthy.
Also, please contact a veterinarian if a horse shows signs of illness: mild fever and stumbling, which can progress to being down and struggling to stand. If a Michigan animal is suspected of having West Nile virus, funding may available under an arbovirus grant to cover the testing costs. Please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more details.
For more information about WNV, please visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in two cattle herds from Iosco County. One herd was found as part of a trace investigation related to a previously identified TB-positive herd and the other was identified as part of routine whole herd surveillance testing
Vigilance is still needed as HPAI continues to be detected in the United States
MDARD, MSUE encourage growers to report sightings as pest can harm crops
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced $2.3 million of Underserved, Value-Added, Regional Food Systems and Supply Chain Grants to accelerate business growth and strengthen food systems across the state. Many of the grants fund broader projects that will support new jobs in Michigan communities.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a detection of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in an 18-month-old Quarter Horse filly from Roscommon County. The filly was unvaccinated and was humanely euthanized.
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) announced today that it will accept proposals for the 2027 research and education grant program until Friday, October 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. (ET).
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding residents to keep food safety in mind during Labor Day weekend cookouts, picnics and tailgating.
The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Natural Resources (DNR) are reminding consumers to not move firewood long distances this holiday weekend to help prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases. The agencies are also working to expand access to certified invasive-free firewood.
Preventing mosquito bites is the first step to protecting animals, yourself, and others