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.
Farmland Preservation
Programs under the Private Forestlands Initiative, including the Forestry Assistance Program, Qualified Forester Registration, and Qualified Forest Program.
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.
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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The Van Buren Conservation District is excited to host our nineteenth Farming for the Future Conference! Supporting your farm, business, and stewardship is important to us. We bring you the resources, experts, and topics to support your vital work.
We’re excited for you to join us! Keynote Speaker John Pike: “Why Cover Crop Systems Make Sense: Overcoming Myths About Cover Crop Adoption”
John Pike is a sixth generation farmer from Marion, IL, and operates Pike Ag, LLC, providing agronomic consulting and contract research services for the ag industry. He coordinates nitrogen research in southern Illinois in collaboration with the IL Fertilizer and Chemical Association and the IL Nutrient Research and Education Council. He is also involved with a statewide cover crop management project, as well as other initiatives focusing on wheat management, water quality and nutrient management. He is a former Research Agronomist with the University of Illinois, has worked in Extension, taught agronomy at a community college and worked in ag retail.
John will be kicking off the conference talking about how cover crops are a tool that can move you to a more regenerative farm. With years of cover crop and nutrient management research under his belt, John will demystify the challenges perceived by farmers. You won’t have any excuses not to use them on your farm after you hear John’s research.
Breakout Sessions
Event Date: March 11, 2026
Event Time: 9am - 1pm
Address: Van Buren Conference Center | 490 S Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064
Register: https://vanburencd.org/fff-2026/
Registration Deadline: March 4, 2026
Maximum Number of Attendees: 150
Cost: Free
490 S Paw Paw St
Start: March 11, 2026 9:00 AM
End: March 11, 2026 1:00 PM
The Van Buren Conservation District is excited to host our nineteenth Farming for the Future Conference! Supporting your farm, business, and stewardship is important to us. We bring you the resources, experts, and topics to support your vital work.
We’re excited for you to join us! Keynote Speaker John Pike: “Why Cover Crop Systems Make Sense: Overcoming Myths About Cover Crop Adoption”
John Pike is a sixth generation farmer from Marion, IL, and operates Pike Ag, LLC, providing agronomic consulting and contract research services for the ag industry. He coordinates nitrogen research in southern Illinois in collaboration with the IL Fertilizer and Chemical Association and the IL Nutrient Research and Education Council. He is also involved with a statewide cover crop management project, as well as other initiatives focusing on wheat management, water quality and nutrient management. He is a former Research Agronomist with the University of Illinois, has worked in Extension, taught agronomy at a community college and worked in ag retail.
John will be kicking off the conference talking about how cover crops are a tool that can move you to a more regenerative farm. With years of cover crop and nutrient management research under his belt, John will demystify the challenges perceived by farmers. You won’t have any excuses not to use them on your farm after you hear John’s research.
Breakout Sessions
Event Date: March 11, 2026
Event Time: 9am - 1pm
Address: Van Buren Conference Center | 490 S Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064
Register: https://vanburencd.org/fff-2026/
Registration Deadline: March 4, 2026
Maximum Number of Attendees: 150
Cost: Free