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 16, 2026
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced nearly $500,000 of grants to help enhance water and wastewater systems at county fairgrounds across the state.
"County fairs are the highlight of Michigan summers, and they can't happen without reliable access to water," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "These new grants will help county fairs continue to provide clean drinking water to people and animals, implement new safety improvements and upgrade aging wastewater systems."
MDARD awarded water infrastructure grants to the following seven county fairs:
"We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to improve our water infrastructure," said Saree Miller, Executive Director of the Allegan County Fair. "This enhancement will boost water pressure, upgrade our water mains and strengthen fire suppression. Thanks to past MDARD grants and these ongoing improvements, we can continue providing a safe, clean environment and reliable water supply for all our patrons."
This is the first year that MDARD has offered County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grants to help fairgrounds with water line replacement, well drilling and other projects to enhance water and wastewater systems. A joint evaluation committee reviewed all grant applications through a competitive process that evaluated the anticipated impact and measurable outcomes each project will have on Michigan's county fairs.
According to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Michigan's 86 county fairs attract more than 4.5 million attendees each year. Since 2019, MDARD has delivered more than $8.5 million through three grant programs to help Michigan s county fairs build infrastructure, replace aging water systems and promote agricultural events and education.
For more information about how MDARD supports county fairs, visit the County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grants, the County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants and the Livestock and Commodity Exhibition Competitive Grants webpages.
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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
Mosquitoes will continue to be active until there has been a hard freeze; take precautions to protect your animals, yourself, and your family
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) 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 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 reminding residents to keep food safety in mind during Labor Day weekend cookouts, picnics and tailgating.
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 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.