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.
This area contains information for press and media agencies: press releases, pics, alerts & videos
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.
Diseases affecting, or potentially affecting, animals in Michigan
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.
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.
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
Good migrant labor housing is an essential element in securing an adequate supply of seasonal agricultural workers.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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.
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
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.
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August 19, 2025
Welcome to the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) newsletter. Read on for news, updates, tips, and resources designed specifically to empower MAEAP verified farmers!
MAEAP is a nationally recognized, voluntary, and confidential program that supports Michigan farmers in adopting effective, science-based practices to reduce environmental risks and protect natural resources.
Delivered through a unique partnership between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and local Conservation Districts, MAEAP provides education, technical assistance, and third-party verification across four systems—Farmstead; Cropping; Livestock; and Forest, Wetlands & Habitat. As of July 1st, 2025, there are 1,665 verified farms representing 3,078 current verified systems. MAEAP plays a critical role in advancing Michigan’s agricultural and environmental priorities.
MAEAP General Updates
MAEAP Reauthorization
The MAEAP program was signed into law in 2011. Every five years, the program undergoes a reauthorization, where the state legislators review the viability of the program and renew funding. MAEAP is currently under review and will sunset on December 31, 2025, unless the state legislature reauthorizes it. MDARD is advocating for the continuation of the program. The current verification process is not affected, and producers may continue to work with their conservation technician and MAEAP verifier.
Lean Process Improvement (LPI)
The MAEAP program underwent an LPI process that was initiated in October of 2024. The LPI identified several areas where the program could improve its procedures, policies, and workflow. Program staff are working through these recommendations from this process to ensure MAEAP runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The current verification process is not affected, and producers may continue to work with their conservation technician and MAEAP verifier.
MAEAP Program Manager Transition
After more than 25 years with MAEAP, Joe Kelpinski stepped down as the MAEAP Unit Manager earlier this year. Thank you, Joe, for your service to the program! In the interim, Shelby Burlew is acting manager. If you have any questions related to the program, please reach out to her at MDARD-MAEAPINFO@Michigan.gov.
Conservation Technicians
Conservation technicians, previously known as MAEAP technicians, work with the MAEAP and the newly created Regenerative Agriculture Program (RAP). They help identify risks to the environment, point out areas where inputs can be more effective, help protect water quality, conduct soil assessments, and connect landowners to financial assistance programs. Technicians work for the local conservation districts and are technical assistance experts in their community. To find your local technician, visit www.MACD.org.
Conservation Technician Spotlight: Kyle Mead
Kyle Mead has been the Conservation Technician for Van Buren County for 21 years. He has expertise in irrigation and helping blueberry and fruit growers. The best part of his job is helping producers meet their goals and learning about the history of their farm operation. If you live in Van Buren County and would like Kyle to visit your farm, contact him at MAEAP@VanBurenCD.org.
Fun facts about Kyle:
MAEAP Verifier Spotlight: Josh Appleby
Josh Appleby is the MAEAP Verifier for Southwest, Michigan covering Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Ionia, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. He has more than 20 years of experience in on-farm environmental risk assessment. The best part of his job is working with technicians and growers to find solutions to environmental challenges that work for the landowner, making their operations safer for generations to come.
Fun facts about Josh:
Best Management Practice Tip: Soil Sampling
August is a great time to implement regular soil testing on your farm, especially during the harvest window. For example, getting your wheat crop on a three-to-four-year rotation with soil sampling will help with your nutrient management and planning. Conservation technicians can review fertilizer recommendations and help the producers pull and pay for soil samples with cost-share opportunities. Regular soil testing is one of the requirements for the MAEAP Cropping System verification.
MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Program
Michigan’s farmers are stewards of some of the most productive farmland and freshwater resources in the world. But climate change, soil degradation, and water pollution are putting pressure on these systems and the people who manage them. Regenerative agriculture offers a path forward—one rooted in stewardship, sustainability, and long-term success for farmers and communities alike.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Regenerative Agriculture Program helps educate farmers and landowners in the adoption of practices that improve soil health, enhance productivity, and protect natural resources. The goal is to ensure producers have the tools and support they need to remain profitable while building healthier, more resilient farm systems.
Regenerative agriculture is an active approach to land management that focuses on outcomes—like improved soil function, consistent yields, and reduced input costs—rather than following a single prescription. Practices are tailored to each operation and built on key principles: minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing biodiversity, keeping soil covered, maintaining living roots year-round, and integrating livestock where appropriate. These practices can be scaled and adapted across Michigan’s diverse agricultural landscape.
The adoption of regenerative agricultural practices can lessen environmental risks such as soil erosion and nutrient loss. These practices can help farms reach their environmental goals and provide a strong start toward recognition in MDARD’s Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program.
MDARD’s Key Regenerative Agriculture Initiatives for 2025:
Implementing regenerative agriculture is the key to a long-term shift toward sustainable food production in Michigan. It helps farmers protect natural resources, adapt to changing conditions, and build diverse, profitable farm systems. With continued investment in training, research, and field-level support, MDARD is helping farmers strengthen rural economies and lead the transition to a more resilient and regenerative agricultural future.
MDARD Works to Boost Access to Locally Grown Foods
Earlier this month, MDARD awarded nearly $342,000 under the Farm to Family Program to seven Michigan businesses and non-profits that operate as farm stops, which give Michigan farmers and consumers more opportunities to buy and sell locally. The farms stop grants complement more than $360,000 of grants MDARD awarded to Michigan food hubs in May to strengthen the state’s middle-of-the-supply-chain agri-food systems.
The seven farm stops who received grants are:
Learn more about MDARD’s Food Hubs and Farm Stops Grant Program.
Contact your local Conservation Technician
Are you looking to get verified or reverified in MAEAP? Do you have questions about conservation practices? Contact your local Conservation Technician today!
Farmer Testimonials
MAEAP will be highlighting farmers who have found success implementing the program in its newsletter and Facebook page. If you would like to be featured, please contact Meredith Studstill at StudstillM@Michigan.gov.
Resources