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.
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
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.
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.
The Cottage Food law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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.
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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November 21, 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 October 1, 2025, there were 2,062 verified farms representing 3,848 current verified systems. MAEAP plays a critical role in advancing Michigan’s agricultural and environmental priorities.
The MAEAP program was signed into law in 2011. Every five years, the program undergoes reauthorization, where the state legislators review the viability of the program and renew funding. In October 2025, the state legislature and Governor Whitmer reauthorized the funding for MAEAP at the current fee rates. The sunset date was extended to October 1, 2029.
As of October 1, 2025, a new policy is now in place for farmers or landowners to meet the educational requirements for MAEAP verification. In the past, farmers or landowners were required to attend an approved producer education event, watch approved videos, or work with a professional on developing a land management plan. The new policy replaces those previous educational options and recognizes that the on-site risk assessments that Conservation Technicians conduct with clients (farmers or landowners) provide a valuable, relevant and one-to-one educational experience. This education will meet the MAEAP verification educational requirements going forward.
Dan Owens of Bankson Lake Farm, LLC is a first-generation farmer who got an unexpected start in farming after a corporate role in California, where he donated a van to a local farm school. There he was amazed by the farming operation, and the farm, orchard, and beekeeping courses and that someone could make a living farming on a small scale. Soon after donating the van, he attended all available farm related courses offered at this farm school. A few years later, Dan bought land in Van Buren County, Michigan, worked in California for an additional year, then moved back home to build his farm.
Owens has been farming since March 2017 and has been MAEAP verified in Cropping and Farmstead Systems since 2019. His farm grows vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, mushrooms and more.
• What motivated you to participate in MAEAP?
“Knowing that I had someone to make sure I was doing the right thing for land conservation. I am right next to a lake. I didn’t want to do anything to impact it. My involvement stems from an environmental standpoint and having the guidance from people who know what they are doing. Especially since I just kind of jumped into farming.”
• Tell me about the verification process? Was it easy? Hard?
“Kyle [the Van Buren County conservation technician] was and continues to be a fantastic partner through the process. He came to the site many times, asked lots of really good questions, and gave good advice. For example, I want to put in a fertigator. I showed him my backflow preventer I had purchased, to make sure the liquid organic fertilizer could not flow backwards to the well. He had a better recommendation for a system that I could use that I would have never known about. It is great to have someone who will give you honest feedback without judgement and provide possible solutions.”
• What was the biggest verification challenge you had to overcome?
“Probably the documentation of stuff. I wasn’t keeping track of how often I watered or how much compost I used. It was something I had not thought of really.”
• How did you feel after you became verified?
“I was proud. It was awesome when I got the sign, and I was able to hang it on the roadside stand. Then to have people stop because they see the sign and tell me they stopped because I have the sign, and they know I have gone through MAEAP and I am doing the right things.”
• Would you recommend MAEAP to your friends or neighbors? Why?
“Yes, I would, and I already have to several. I think it is important to do, and it is one more tool to have in your toolbox. You have a partner to be able to ask questions of and get guidance from. I think it is a really valuable program.”
Brandi Mitchell serves as the Conservation Technician for the Osceola-Lake Conservation District and has been in the role since January of 2022. Her coverage area includes Clare, Osceola and eastern Lake counties. Brandi has a diverse background. She spent 15 years as a veterinary technician and has been farming for the past 10 years. She has an immense love for grazing cattle and enjoys seeing calves born in the spring.
If you live in Clare, Osceola, or Lake counties, and would like Brandi to visit your farm, please reach out to her at brandi.mitchell@macd.org.
• What do you enjoy most about your job? What do you find most rewarding?
“I enjoy learning from producers and talking to them about their land. I also like to hear the accomplishments they have achieved, and help them in any way I can if they have hurdles or challenges, they share.”
• What life experiences led you to this career path?
“With being a producer myself, that enjoyed learning how to better care for our land and natural resources, it seemed like a perfect fit. I have always been outdoors, from woods, to grasslands, to vegetable fields to now pasture, I find the outdoors very grounding. Any day spent outside is a good day.”
• What matters most to you, personally and professionally?
“Leaving the world a better place - both above ground and below.”
Facts from Brandi:
• Raises Belted Galloway Cattle
• Harvested a Michigan Bull Elk
• Licensed Vet Tech for 15 years
Did you know that there are currently 671 MAEAP verified farms that utilize cover crops in their crop rotation on a total of 211,173 acres across the state of Michigan?
Fun Facts about Cover Crops from the MAEAP Farm Assessment:
• Cover crops can be utilized whenever possible to improve crop rotation systems to break pest cycles and potentially maximize crop yield.
• Cover crops can be included in the crop rotation to protect soil and water resources and control erosion.
• Cover crops can be utilized to protect against runoff and erosion losses to surface water during manure applications.
• Cover crops can be utilized to reduce odors during manure applications.
For more information on cover crops, contact your local Conservation Technician and visit the MSU Extension - Cover Crops page for more resources.
Farmers work year-round to produce the food that goes onto our table for Thanksgiving dinner. Whether that is through fruits and vegetables, grain crops, or feeding livestock, they all work together to feed our local communities, our state, our nation and more! This year when you are going around the table discussing what you are thankful for, don’t forget to thank our farmers.
Below are some fun MAEAP facts highlighting our verified farms that help grow or raise the foods we enjoy for Thanksgiving dinner throughout the state of Michigan.
|
Thanksgiving Staples |
Number of MAEAP Verified Farms Statewide |
MAEAP Verified Quantities (Statewide) |
Highest Producing County (MAEAP Verified) |
| Turkeys | 65 | Over 3 million turkeys | Ottawa County |
| Potatoes | 15 | 2,300 acres | Monroe County |
| Green Beans | 12 | 2,000 acres | Cass County |
| Sweet Corn | 23 | 535 acres | Monroe County |
| Cranberries | 2 | 50 acres | Van Buren County |
| Wheat | 360 | 75,530 acres | Huron County |
| Pumpkins/Squash | 59 | 845 acres | Allegan County |
| Apples | 163 | 9,700 acres | Kent County |
| Sugar Beets | 113 | 40,400 acres | Huron County |
| Grapes, Wine | 76 | 1,200 acres | Leelanau County |
| Hops | 13 | 65 acres | Sanilac County |