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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.
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Laws and Regulations pertaining to and governing the actions and policies of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
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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.
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October 26, 2026
LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a cattle herd from Alcona County, part of Michigan's Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ). The herd was identified as part of the routine annual whole herd surveillance testing that occurs in the MAZ.
"Bovine TB is a persistent, complex disease, which is why routine surveillance testing remains an essential disease management tool. Every test helps us to determine where bovine TB is and to improve our understanding of how it might be shifting across Michigan's landscape, improving our capacity to respond to this disease," said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "MDARD along with agency partners, producers, and stakeholders continue to be steadfast in our commitment to protect animal and public health throughout the state."
Bovine TB is a bacterial disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is known to be present in the free-ranging white-tailed deer population in specific areas of northeastern lower Michigan, and the disease can be transmitted between deer and cattle. There are currently two TB zones within the state: a four-county area (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Oscoda counties) known as the MAZ and the remainder of the state is referred to as the Accredited Free Zone.
An epidemiological investigation is underway to identify any potential additional cases stemming from this newly identified affected herd. Whole genome sequencing will also occur to help determine the source of the infection.
While MDARD and other state and federal agencies are taking significant steps to manage bovine TB within the MAZ through routine surveillance testing of cattle herds, mandatory animal identification, required movement certificates, and wildlife biosecurity programs, deer hunting in the northeastern Lower Peninsula continues to be an important tool in combatting this disease and maintaining healthy deer, healthy cattle, and healthy people.
More information about bovine TB can be found on MDARD's website.
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State’s food hub, farm stop grants generate nearly fivefold surge in local food sales, strengthening Michigan’s local food economy LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced outstanding first-year results from its 2025 Food Hub and Farm Stop Grant Program, which was the first investment made by the agency’s innovative Farm to Family Program last summer.
New USDA cost-share requirement to take effect in 2027 LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced an opportunity for residents to help inform funding priorities for Michigan’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting a detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a farmed cervid from Hillsdale County, which was identified through the state’s CWD surveillance program.
Multi-year partnership will protect agricultural productivity and empower farmers LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a five-year partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to bolster PFAS monitoring across Michigan, providing farmers with the tools and expertise needed to protect their land, livestock and productivity
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking public comment on a proposed order that would expand bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements in specific portions of Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw counties. A separate order, signed Aug. 1, 2026, established testing in different areas of the three same counties.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a new partnership with the Greater Flint Health Coalition (GFHC) aimed at empowering new and beginning farmers and increasing community access to fresh, locally grown foods. The investment is a key step in MDARD’s ongoing work to strengthen regional food systems and create more opportunities for Michiganders to enjoy food grown right here in Michigan.
New Programs Address Barriers to Recruitment and Retention of Veterinary Professionals, Especially in Rural Areas
With deer season underway, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding hunters and consumers to take care when choosing where to have deer processed, where to donate your harvested deer and where to buy farm-raised venison. Following state rules helps protect you and your loved ones from foodborne illness.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a three year, $3 million partnership with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan to drive a landmark initiative connecting Michigan’s agricultural sector with the rapidly expanding sustainable aviation and maritime fuel industries. The project positions Michigan as a national leader in developing low carbon fuel supply chains while ensuring new economic opportunities flow directly to Michigan farmers.