Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD, Government Organization, Lansing, MI.

MDARD improves quality of life by protecting Michiganders from the pump to the plate, supporting farmers and producers who put food on the table, and creating economic opportunities within the agriculture industry. Vision - To be recognized as a national leader among state departments of agriculture through our expertise, effectiveness, application of sound science and delivery of quality service

to our stakeholders. Mission - Assure the food safety, agricultural, environmental, and economic interests of the people of the State of Michigan are met through service, partnership and collaboration.

Clap your paws & stomp your hooves!​Today, we celebrate the incredible veterinary health professionals across Michigan w...
06/18/2026

Clap your paws & stomp your hooves!​

Today, we celebrate the incredible veterinary health professionals across Michigan who do so much for our state. From keeping our pets and livestock healthy to supporting our farming families and safeguarding public health, all of Michigan's veterinary health professionals are vital partners in our mission to protect, regulate, and promote animal health throughout the state.​

Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day, and thank you for all you do!!

Did you know Shady Lane Cellars was recently named Michigan’s best winery by Mashed?​A Suttons Bay wine producer, founde...
06/17/2026

Did you know Shady Lane Cellars was recently named Michigan’s best winery by Mashed?​

A Suttons Bay wine producer, founded in 1987 on a historic centennial farm, the 70-acre vineyard sits on rolling hills in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. Shady Lane Cellars is verified in MDARD's Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). ​

“This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication that goes into both caring for the land and producing exceptional wines,” Shady Lane Cellars told MDARD. “Sustainability has always been important to us, and earning recognition through MAEAP reinforces our commitment to responsible farming practices that protect our soil, water, and surrounding environment.”​

From pruning and canopy management to harvest and fermentation, Shady Lane Cellars is focused on growing high-quality cool-climate fruit and crafting wines that reflect the unique character of Northern Michigan. As a business rooted in agriculture, Shady Lane Cellars believes that a healthy environment is key to the success of their business, their community, and future Michiganders.

MDARD is taking action to protect Michigan from New World screwworm. Effective today, new movement requirements are in p...
06/17/2026

MDARD is taking action to protect Michigan from New World screwworm. Effective today, new movement requirements are in place for certain warm-blooded animals. ​

While no detections have been found in the state, confirmed infestations in Texas and New Mexico have prompted MDARD to take proactive action to protect animal health and safeguard against negative economic impact.​

If you're a producer or someone looking to move animals across state lines, read the safety measures: https://go.mi.gov/xmh0v2709

06/16/2026

June is Dairy Month, and we're recognizing the farmers, processors, and partners who make Michigan's dairy industry the cream of the crop.​

Today we're celebrating some of our own. Behind every glass of Michigan milk is a dedicated team of inspectors working hard to ensure the highest safety standards.​

From the farm to your table, MDARD inspectors help Michigan milk producers deliver the dairy best!

06/15/2026

County Fairs are here and they're the perfect place to celebrate the heart of our communities. ​

You'll find incredible livestock, amazing local food and plenty of family fun! It's a wonderful way to support local communities, make memories, and enjoy the best of summer.

FACT! No matter how you slice them, Michigan leads the nation in growing cucumbers for pickling. Our farmers produce nea...
06/14/2026

FACT! No matter how you slice them, Michigan leads the nation in growing cucumbers for pickling. Our farmers produce nearly 217,000 tons of the tasty dills each year!​

Pickles are the bread-and-butter of two Michigan companies recently featured in the Michigan Agriculture magazine. Dill Daddy Pickles is run by Dan Sears, who uses simple ingredients to make pickles fun. And Gielow Pickles, Inc., a 5th generation family owned & operated pickle producer, recently completed a $10 million expansion at its Lexington, Michigan headquarters.​

Learn more about the success of these businesses and what makes them a big dill in Michigan’s food and ag industry. Link in the comment below 🥒

“It’s amazing how much technology has improved not just the quality of our food but also how much it continues to increa...
06/13/2026

“It’s amazing how much technology has improved not just the quality of our food but also how much it continues to increase the sustainability of farms,” says Annie Link. ​

Annie and her family are fifth-generation farmers at Swisslane Farms in Alto. As the farm’s Chief People Officer, she prioritizes the farming culture and looks out for her staff. With a passion for serving her community and future generations, she’s a club leader for her local county fair, the chair of the Dairy Discovery Board, and a member of the Kent County Farm Bureau Promotion & Education Committee.​

Annie encourages young women pursuing careers in agriculture “to understand what they truly want, then recognize the sacrifices and commitment it may take to achieve those goals. Find mentors who inspire and provide opportunities to volunteer in the industry. The most rewarding experiences come from giving back and often, you’ll gain more in return.”​

2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Stay tuned for more MDARD spotlights on women leaders in Michigan agriculture!

We’re crop-timistic about the future of agricultural science!​This week, MDARD’s Geagley Laboratory hosted its first-eve...
06/11/2026

We’re crop-timistic about the future of agricultural science!​

This week, MDARD’s Geagley Laboratory hosted its first-ever career day for high school and college students. ​

Our student visitors got a first-hand look at MDARD’s chemistry, microbiology, motor fuel quality, pesticide and plant pathology labs. They also met with the MDARD experts who work every day to safeguard Michigan’s food supply and protect drivers at the gas pump. ​

“We’d like students to know that MDARD can be a resource and a source of opportunities as they navigate their careers in science,” said MDARD Microbiologist Dina Weston. “We have people with a lot of different majors, backgrounds, and career paths and we want students to know there is no right or wrong way to get here.”

MilkandFroth Ice Cream has the Motor City churning for the better, with help from MDARD! ​Founded in Detroit’s Eastern ...
06/10/2026

MilkandFroth Ice Cream has the Motor City churning for the better, with help from MDARD! ​

Founded in Detroit’s Eastern Market, this small batch ice cream maker is known for crafting unforgettable dairy and vegan flavors using Michigan grown ingredients. Thanks to support from MDARD’s Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grant, Milk & Froth transformed their production process, expanded to a second shop (in Ann Arbor), grew their team, and are creating even more delicious Michigan-made flavors.​

Now they’re looking to shape the future of ice cream with health conscious scoops, proving that some of the best frozen flavors reside right in the heart of the Motor City.​

Read more about Milk & Froth in the June edition of MDARD's Food & Ag Business Development Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4ezhgIT

06/10/2026

Summer is here, and it’s hot, Hot, HOT!!!​

Keep a close eye on your animals today as the heat index soars into the 90s across much of Michigan.​

If your animals show signs of heat stress like increased panting or drooling, move them immediately to a cool, shaded area and provide plenty of fresh, cool water.

Address

Lansing, MI

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18002923939

Website

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