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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To establish a new livestock operation or expand an existing facility is a complex process. Water quality protection, odor control, existing land use and ownership constraints, and future land use or development patterns, are all considered in this process. Also included are facilitating feasibility and cost efficiency for the operator, maintaining aesthetic character, minimizing conflicts with adjacent land users, and complying with all applicable state and federal laws and local regulations. Through careful planning, livestock operations can increase productivity while developing and continuing good relationships with their surrounding community.
Livestock operations have the opportunity to go through the Livestock Site Selection Process, which involves the submitting an application to the MDARD Right to Farm Program. The operation will then go through a three-step process of site suitability, construction approval, and final approval.
An appeal may be submitted for 30 days after the initial site suitability approval is issued. For more details about the appeal process, visit the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development policy manual, policy no. 10.
| Farm Business Name | County | Site Suitability Appeal Window | Site Suitability Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cass | 5/8/2023 to 6/18/2023 |
Site suitability affirmed 08/25/2023 Construction approved 9/15/2023 |
|
| Rathmourne Dairy | Hillsdale | 9/21/2023 to 10/21/2023 | Under review |
| Norman Yoder | St. Joseph | 11/16/2023 to 12/16/2023 | Under review |
| Nathan and Emma Yoder | St. Joseph | 08/28/2024 to 9/28/2024 | Under review |
| Payne Feedlot | Berrien | 08/28/2024 to 9/28/2024 | Under review |
| Tim Frey | Jackson | 10/15/2024 to 11/15/2024 | Under review |
| Cow Pleasant Dairy | Isabella | 10/15/2024 to 11/15/2024 | Final approval: July 2025 |
| Central Grace Farms, LLC | Branch | 3/24/25 to 4/24/2025 | Final approval: July 2025 |
| Renaisance Equestrian Center | Washtenaw | 4/16/2025 to 5/16/2025 | Construction approval: June 9, 2025 |
| Mast Farms | Eaton | 5/6/2025 to 6/6/2025 | Construction approval: June 9, 2025 |
| Lowell Martin | Montcalm | 5/6/2025 to 6/6/2025 | Under review |
| David Burkholder | Ionia | 8/15/25 to 9/15/25 | Final approval: December 2025 |
| Zoet Poultry Inc. | Allegan | 9/30/25 to 10/30/25 | |
| Chupp Farms | Easton | 12/8/25 to 1/8/26 | |
| SGMC LCC | Gratiot | 12/8/25 to 1/8/26 | Approval to construct 03/25/2026 |
| JS Eggs LCC | Gratiot | 12/8/25 to 1/8/26 | Approval to construct 03/25/2026 |
| Alvin Wingard | Cass | 10/30/25 to 11/30/25 | Construction approval: February 10, 2026 |
| Lavern and Irene Eicher | Hillsdale | 12/18/25 to 1/18/26 | Construction approval: February 10, 2026 |
| Dunks Farms | Branch | 12/18/25 to 1/18/26 | Construction approval: February 6, 2026 |
| Swisslane Dairy Farms, LLC - Bear Lake Dairy Farm | Barry | 2/10/26-3/10/26 | |
| Poultry Products, LLC | Tuscola | 2/20/26-3/20/26 | |
| M66 Farm | St. Joseph | 2/19/26-3/19/26 | |
| McCormick Farms, LCC | Branch | 3/2/26-4/2/26 | |
| White Acres Farms | Montcalm | 3/23/2026-4/23/2026 | |
| Nelson & Serena Chupp | St. Joseph | 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026 | |
| Sunny Side Up Farms | Branch | 3/26/2026 - 4/26/2026 |
Please submit completed livestock siting applications or questions to MDARD-LivestockSiting@Michigan.gov.