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Dairy Manufacturing Producer

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a license?

If you want to sell raw milk for processing into any manufacturing milk or milk products you are required to have a Manufacturing Dairy Farm permit, regardless of the size of the farm.

What fees are required? How long is the license good for? Is it pro-rated?

The Manufacturing Dairy Farm license is $30, if dairy farm does not maintain adequate industry personnel; otherwise, $15 annually.

How do I apply for a license?

An individual should contact the Lansing Office at 800-292-3939 for more information regarding operating a manufacturing dairy farm.

Are there any special requirements to obtain a license?

Yes.  An inspection and a water sample are required.  In addition there are a number of other requirements.

Who do I contact for an inspection?

An individual who is interested in operating a Manufacturing Dairy Farm should contact the Lansing office at 800-292-3939.

Establishing a new Dairy Farm in accordance with the Manufacturing Milk Law of 2001

  1. Contact the Lansing Office at 800-292-3939 to set up a meeting with a Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development dairy inspector. 
     
  2. The inspector will work with the prospective dairy farmer through the planning and development stages until the farm meets licensing and inspection requirements.
     
  3. For further information, take a look at DY-321, DY-346, and Manufacturing Grade Producer License Application.
    These may or may not apply to your specific situation.
     
  4. Once the farm is established and issued a permit, any future equipment or water systems modification must be reviewed and approved by your local MDARD inspector.
     
  5. Requests for additional information can be made by email at
    MDA-DairyInfo@Michigan.gov