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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.
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Fertilizer License and Registration Requirements, as well as Liming License Requirements
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May 12, 2026
Founded in 1998, Doodle’s Sugarbush, LLC produces high-quality, 100 percent pure Michigan maple syrup while preserving the tradition of maple sugaring. As a first-generation, family-owned and operated farm, the Blanchard-based company is Michigan’s largest value-added maple syrup farm. With over 27 years of experience in production and value-added maple products, Doodle’s remains committed to excellence, sustainability and community impact.
At the 2025 Making it in Michigan Conference, Doodle’s and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Economic and Community Development Team began a conversation about the company’s equipment needs and expansion goals for the upcoming tapping season. After reviewing the company’s immediate needs and business plans, MDARD determined that the Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) would be the best available opportunity to help Doodle’s grow. MDARD and MEDC regularly work together to ensure the success of businesses throughout the state, so MDARD connected Doodle’s with MEDC’s grant experts. MDARD’s Economic and Community Development Team continued to follow up with Doodle’s to provide technical assistance.
“MDARD has been a valuable resource, providing both financial and technical support that has helped us invest in infrastructure, improve processing efficiency, and scale our operations strategically,” said Lynette Henson, owner of Doodle’s Sugarbush, LLC. “Their programs have helped reduce barriers to growth and encouraged innovation, which directly supports our long-term goals. Looking ahead, we plan to continue working with MDARD on future expansion projects, sustainability initiatives, and exploring new markets.”
After receiving the MEDC funding, Doodle’s was able to address labor-intensive sap collection and syrup processing by investing in automation and installing a monitoring system that tracks production metrics. Additionally, Doodle’s expanded their reverse osmosis capacity, increasing sap processing efficiency and reducing boiling time. To support year-round production, the company also installed an HVAC system to create a temperature- and moisture-controlled environment that is unavailable in traditional seasonal sugarhouses. These upgrades reduce labor demands, enhance production capacity, and ensure consistency in product quality, positioning the company to meet growing market demands.
Because of continued work with MDARD and MEDC, Doodle’s Sugarbush has evolved into a multifaceted operation. They plan to continue their partnership with both state agencies, using expertise and program support to find further opportunities for growth in their industry.
For more information on how MDARD can help your company, visit our Economic Development webpage.
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