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.
Official press releases, articles, media contact information, email subscription options, social media accounts: everything you need to stay informed, all in one spot.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 GAAMPs for Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities (Siting GAAMPs) establishes the standards to determine if a site is suitable for a proposed, new or expanding livestock facility. This is a voluntary, non-regulatory process that a farm may choose to engage in to ensure their proposed facility conforms with the Siting GAAMPs.
Livestock operations may choose to go through this voluntary process by submitting an application to the MDARD Right to Farm Program. The Right to Farm Program will then work with the applicant to determine if the site is site suitable for the proposed facility and once construction is complete the program will determine if the constructed facility conforms to the Siting GAAMPs.
An appeal may be submitted for 30 days after the initial site suitability determination 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 plans reviewed 9/15/2023 |
|
| Rathmourne Dairy | Hillsdale | 9/21/2023 to 10/21/2023 | Final Conformance: 7/28/2026 |
| Norman Yoder | St. Joseph | 11/16/2023 to 12/16/2023 | |
| Nathan and Emma Yoder | St. Joseph | 08/28/2024 to 9/28/2024 | Final conformance: April 20, 2026 |
| Payne Feedlot | Berrien | 08/28/2024 to 9/28/2024 | Under review |
| Tim Frey | Jackson | 10/15/2024 to 11/15/2024 | Extension granted 2029 |
| Renaissance Equestrian Center | Washtenaw | 4/16/2025 to 5/16/2025 | Construction plans reviewed: June 9, 2025 |
| Mast Farms | Eaton | 5/6/2025 to 6/6/2025 | Construction plans reviewed: June 9, 2025 |
| Lowell Martin | Montcalm | 5/6/2025 to 6/6/2025 | Construction plans reviewed: July 23, 2025 |
| David Burkholder | Ionia | 8/15/25 to 9/15/25 | Final conformance: December 2025 |
| Zoet Poultry Inc. | Allegan | 9/30/25 to 10/30/25 | Final conformance: May 2026 |
| Chupp Farms | Easton | 12/8/25 to 1/8/26 | Construction plans reviewed: February 20, 2026 |
| SGMC LCC | Gratiot | 12/8/25 to 1/8/26 | Final Conformance: 7/28/2026 |
| JS Eggs LCC | Gratiot | 12/8/25 to 1/8/26 | Final Conformance: 7/28/2026 |
| Alvin Wingard | Cass | 10/30/25 to 11/30/25 | Construction plans reviewed: February 10, 2026 |
| Lavern and Irene Eicher | Hillsdale | 12/18/25 to 1/18/26 | Construction plans reviewed: February 10, 2026 |
| Dunks Farms | Branch | 12/18/25 to 1/18/26 | Construction plans reviewed: February 6, 2026 |
| Swisslane Dairy Farms, LLC - Bear Lake Dairy Farm | Barry | 2/10/26 to 3/10/26 | |
| Poultry Products, LLC | Tuscola | 2/20/26 to 3/20/26 | Final Conformance: 7/28/2026 |
| M66 Farm | St. Joseph | 2/19/26 to 3/19/26 | Final conformance: September 3, 2026 |
| McCormick Farms, LCC | Branch | 3/2/26 to 4/2/26 | Construction plans reviewed: April 27, 2026 |
| White Acres Farms | Montcalm | 3/23/2026 to 4/23/2026 |
Site suitability affirmed August 4, 2026 |
| Nelson & Serena Chupp | St. Joseph | 4/1/2026 to 4/30/2026 | Construction plans reviewed: June 17, 2026 |
| Sunny Side Up Farms | Branch | 3/26/2026 to 4/26/2026 | Construction approval: May 2026 |
| Idlenot Farms - New Holland | Ottawa | 3/4/26 to 4/4/26 | Construction plans reviewed: April 24, 2026 |
| Crockery Creek Hesperia | Oceana | 3/4/2026 to 4/4/2026 | |
| Mark Yoder | St. Joseph | 6/17/26 to 7/17/2026 | Construction plans reviewed: 9/10/2026 |
| Larry Yoder | St. Joseph | 7/30/2026 to 8/30/2026 | Construction plans reviewed: September 1, 2026 |
| Hull Family Farms | St. Joseph | 9/11/2020 to 10/11/2026 | |
| Precision Pork | Allegan | 9/14/2026 to 10/14/2026 |
Please submit completed livestock siting applications or questions to MDARD-LivestockSiting@Michigan.gov.