For immediate release: Oct. 6, 2025

MDARD media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

Celebrate with a visit to a Michigan cider mill, pumpkin patch, corn maze and more

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October as Michigan Agritourism Month – the perfect time for family-friendly fun at any of the hundreds of agritourism farms and orchards across Michigan. The month-long celebration recognizes the economic and social benefits of agritourism to our state’s farms and communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Michigan’s thriving food and agriculture industry.

“Agritourism connects Michigan families to locally grown food and beverages while enabling farmers to diversify and build resiliency into their businesses,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring. “MDARD is proud to support Michigan agritourism operators that strengthen our food and agriculture industry, boost agricultural education and improve quality of life for Michiganders.”

Agritourism supports Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $54.8 billion tourism industry. It offers farmers the opportunity to diversify their businesses, which can help them stay viable during adverse weather conditions and market fluctuations.

Michigan’s agritourism destinations include:

• U-Pick apple orchards,
• Pumpkin patches,
• Corn mazes,
• Farmers markets,
• On-farm markets,
• Roadside produce stands,
• Wineries, and
• On-farm celebrations and events.

Many Michigan farms offer agritourism opportunities year-round, but Agritourism Month is celebrated in October at the peak of harvest and during a time when people traditionally visit farms, pumpkin patches and cider mills. Michigan Agritourism Month is a special time to acknowledge and experience the vast, integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers who produce a safe and nutritious food supply, as well as provide fun and unique farm experiences.

Throughout the month of October, MDARD will feature examples of Michigan agritourism businesses on its social media channels. Follow along to experience Michigan agritourism at its best.

Visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com for a directory of Michigan agritourism businesses. The directory is searchable by business name, product, and region.  

View the Michigan Agritourism Month proclamation.

For immediate release: Sep. 18, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Awards Over $1.8 Million for Projects That Create Jobs, Boost Local Agriculture Businesses

Grants will fund 26 projects to retain, attract, expand or develop ag processing in Michigan

LANSING, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today awarded over $1.8 million of Underserved, Value Added and Regional Food System Grants to 26 Michigan producers, processors and community development organizations.

“This grant program is just one example of how MDARD improves quality of life for Michiganders by bolstering the food systems and agriculture businesses that sustain our health and prosperity,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Today’s grants are strategic investments that will enhance the production and delivery of locally grown foods while creating more than 100 jobs across the state. We’re proud to support these businesses in delivering for their communities.”

Following a rigorous application and review process, MDARD awarded Underserved, Value Added and Regional Food System Grants to the following 26 entities:

Mid-Michigan

• Angus Cattle Co. LLC (Laingsburg) – $100,000 for establishing and operating a fully functional storefront at Angus Cattle Co. that will enable direct interface with consumers and expand sales of locally raised beef and pork. This project will generate one full-time and three part-time jobs.
• The Cut Custom Processing LLC (Rosebush) – $73,500 for installing commercial dry aging and curing equipment to enable the production of high-quality, value-added beef and pork products. This project will generate two full-time and two part-time jobs.

Northern Michigan

• Bear Creek Organics LLC (Petoskey) – $82,910 for expanding refrigerated transportation and refrigerated cold storage capacity to support current and future business demand and increase farmer access to new markets. This project will generate two full-time and four part-time jobs.
• Boss Dairy Farms Inc., which does business as Charlevoix Cheese Company (Charlevoix) – $94,042 for purchasing automated cheese-cutting equipment and packaging supplies to expand cheese processing and keep up with demand. This project will generate one full-time and one part-time job.
• By the Light of Day (Traverse City) – $68,528 for purchasing equipment critical to the efficient mechanization to grow and produce the highest quality herbs, flowers and fruit, immediately improving efficiency by 75 percent, expand production volume by 60 percent. This project will generate two full-time and two part-time jobs.
• DeBacker Family Dairy, LLC (Menominee) – $50,095 for expanding its on-farm bottling operation in Menominee County. The project will increase bottling capacity from nine to 24 heads, allowing the farm to produce labeled 8-ounce milk bottles for schools and institutions across the Upper Peninsula. This project will generate three full-time and two part-time jobs.

Southeast Michigan

• Ghost Acre Farm (Detroit) – $100,000 for building a new washing and packing facility for harvested crops that includes processing, lockable tool storage and refrigeration. This project will generate one full-time and three part-time jobs.
• Give and Grow Mushrooms, LLC (Chesterfield) – $12,475 for increasing the scale of their current Maitake mushroom growing operations and expanding into value added food processing. This project will generate two full-time jobs.
• Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Inc (Ann Arbor) – $48,500 for purchasing a large blast chiller for their kitchen to process and flash freeze large amounts of locally grown produce for their Meals On Wheels and Medically Tailored Meal programs.
• The Lindsay Street Greenbelt Collective (Detroit) – $45,600 for creating an outdoor farm market improve residents’ access to fresh, locally grown foods. This project could create up to 20 part-time jobs over the next three years.
• Mother of Pearl Design LLC (Detroit) – $100,000 for completing their studio, including electrical and plumbing work, walk-in cooler installation, storage and lighting, and space to host public workshops on floral design, seed starting, and herbal preparation. This project will generate one full-time and three part-time jobs.
• Samit & Sajid Qurbani House (Hamtramck) – $84,000 for completing critical installations, expansions and health and safety improvements required for USDA inspection. This project will create four full-time and three part-time jobs.
• Sanctuary Farms (Detroit) – $99,952 for purchasing equipment and funding pre-development activities to increasing compost production capacity and distribution and support a more resilient, community-centered food system in Southeast Michigan. This project will generate two full-time and three part-time jobs.
• Washtenaw Meats LLC (Ann Arbor) – $85,674 for consolidating inventory, increasing storage and improving order fulfillment to better serve small Michigan livestock producers and buyers. This project will generate two part-time jobs.

Southwest Michigan

• Berry Delicious Farms, Inc (Covert) – $100,000 for enhancing post-harvest cold storage for small and mid-sized growers, thereby ensuring reliable market access for locally grown produce. This project will generate two full-time and five part-time jobs.
• Brumfield Angus Farms (Sawyer) – $22,400 for developing a walk-in freezer facility as part of their new registered Angus beef processing operation. This project will generate one full-time job.
• Carriage House Ciders, LLC (Benton Harbor) – $36,845 for finding a larger facility and buying the necessary equipment to double production capacity over the next three years to more than 4,000 gallons. This project will generate one full-time and three part-time jobs.
• Coco & Catrina Farms LLC (Covert) – $99,170 for upgrading their packing line to handle more fruit directly at the farm during peak harvest, reducing pressure on regional packing facilities and keeping the local supply chain moving. This project will generate one full-time and four part-time jobs.
• DeGrandchamp Blueberry Farms, Inc. (South Haven) – $100,000 for strengthening Michigan’s agriculture community; increasing demand for Michigan-grown blueberries, cranberries and other specialty crops; expanding market opportunities for local growers; and serving as a replicable model for direct-to-consumer farm operations. This project will generate two full-time and eight part-time jobs.
• Fluffy Butt Farms LLC (Battle Creek) – $69,924 for expanding their state-licensed, on-farm poultry processing facility and enhancing direct-to-consumer marketing by acquiring key equipment and developing branding materials. This project will generate one part-time job.
• Old Europe Cheese (Benton Harbor) – $76,662 for the design, production and implementation of new molds necessary to manufacture 14-ounce and 5-ounce soft ripened brie cheeses. This project will generate four full-time jobs.
• Park Street Market (Kalamazoo) – $100,000 for investing in food processing equipment to offer a broader array of fresh meat and produce to the community. This project will generate five full-time and ten part-time jobs.

Thumb

• Stony Croft Farms (Lapeer) – $44,413 for installing new milling equipment that will increase the farms’ value-added grain production capacity and meet growing customer demand for locally milled grain products. This project will generate one full-time and one part-time job.

West Michigan

• Green Wagon Farm (Ada) – $100,000 for constructing three movable hoop houses needed for climate-resilient growing space. This project will generate two full-time jobs.
• Lakeshore Food Club (Hart) – $42,000 for increasing local food distribution to schools and food assistance programs in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties; enhancing food access for food-insecure populations in the three-county service area; and increasing the volume and variety of state-sourced foods distributed to food-insecure populations. This project will generate two full-time and four part-time jobs.
• Plainsong Farm & Ministry (Rockford) – $42,500 for infrastructure investments that will extend the farm’s growing season and increase food storage capacity, thereby increasing underserved families’ access to healthy food and related educational programming. This project will generate one part-time job.

Underserved, Value Added and Regional Food System Grants help:

• Retain, expand, attract or develop agricultural processing in Michigan,
• Support traditionally underserved businesses,
• Improve value-added agricultural processing, and
• Strengthen area supply chains and regional food systems.

Since Fiscal Year 2019, MDARD has awarded more than $11.2 million of Underserved, Value Added and Regional Food System Grants. The grants were part of more than $184 million of investments MDARD delivered over the past seven years to help Michigan communities create jobs, build infrastructure and promote agricultural development.

For more information about this program and to find out when future funding will become available, please visit MDARD’s website.

MDARD media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MSU Extension program contact: Dr. Remington Rice 

MDARD, MSU Extension Share Suicide Prevention Resources to Support Farmers

Managing Farm Stress program helps Michigan ag workers stay healthy and resilient

LANSING, Mich. – To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s  Managing Farm Stress program are connecting farmers with therapy-based resources and stress support.

“Coming from a family of farmers, I know the pressures that a career in agriculture can bring,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Unpredictable weather, fluctuations in global markets, labor shortages and other factors can produce uncertainty and extreme stress in the agriculture community. If you or a loved one is struggling, please know that MSU Extension’s Managing Farm Stress program is there to help farmers navigate these stressors so they can remain healthy and resilient.”

Agricultural work is fundamental to the nation’s health and prosperity, but it is also one of the most dangerous civilian occupations in the United States. Farming can also be financially challenging. Amid soaring equipment costs and low commodity prices, total U.S. farm debt grew to nearly $592 billion in 2025 –  an increase of 66 percent since 2015.

The demands of farming can produce physical, financial, and emotional stress not seen in other industries. Yet farmers often live in rural areas with limited access to mental health services. According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are more than 3.5 times as likely to die by suicide as the general public.

The MSU Extension Managing Farm Stress program offers services including teletherapy, financial well-being resources and trainings. These services help farmers make decisions, support their loved ones, and help other agriculture professionals better identify signs of struggle and offer support.

“For farmers, mental health is just as essential as crop health or market access,” said Dr. Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. “When Michigan producers face mental health challenges, the impact ripples through families, communities and our entire food system. That’s why MSU Extension stands with our farmers, and why we’re committed to making sure the help they need is within reach.”

An MDARD grant has supported the Managing Farm Stress program since 2020. In total, MSU Extension has been able to offer nearly 550 free therapy visits and reached over 10,000 people across Michigan through educational presentations and workshops.

“When we meet with farmers and others who work with farmers, it’s not just about sharing information, it’s about exploring new ways to handle stress alongside farmers,” said Dr. Remington Rice, an MSU Extension educator. “These sessions create space for farmers to try out strategies and support one another. They also build community, reminding farmers they are not alone. Sometimes that support gives a farmer the confidence to take the next step into therapy, and thanks to this grant, cost is no longer a barrier. That’s how healthier rural communities begin, one conversation at a time.”

Visit the Managing Farm Stress website for more information and resources. Communities and organizations are invited to contact the Managing Farm Stress program for details about upcoming workshops, including Communicating with Farmers and Weathering the Storm.

In addition, don’t miss the premiere of the new MSU Extension documentary on September 10 at 6 p.m. EDT.

Need help now?

You matter. You are not alone. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, support is available right now. Reaching out is a sign of strength and help is here.

• If you are in immediate danger or facing a life-threatening situation, dial 911 right away. Visit your nearest emergency department if you or someone you love may need immediate help.

• If you or someone you know needs help with a behavioral health or substance use crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7, free and confidential support. The Lifeline website is offered in both English and Spanish and provides support for those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. What to expect when connecting with 988.

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Reminds Owners to Vaccinate Their Animals

 One visit to a veterinarian can help protect animal and human health

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners to talk to their veterinarian about vaccinations for their pets and livestock, protecting them against diseases carried by other animals and insects like mosquitoes.

“While you should always work with your veterinarian to determine what is best for the health of your animals, ensuring your animals are fully vaccinated plays a critical role in preventing numerous diseases,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “Since some diseases (like rabies) affect both animals and people, vaccinating animals works to keep everyone healthy.”

Rabies Vaccinations are Essential for Multiple Species

The rabies vaccine is important for dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and other animals. In fact, Michigan law requires dogs and ferrets to be vaccinated against this disease. Rabies is often fatal and carried by certain wildlife species in Michigan. Last year, within the state, there were 48 cases of rabies detected in bats. Highly safe and effective vaccines are available to protect animals against this virus.

Other Core Vaccines for Dogs and Cats

There are other important vaccinations available for dogs and cats to help protect them from diseases common to their species. Dogs can be vaccinated against serious diseases such as parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis. Like rabies, leptospirosis can affect both animals and people, and it is carried by some of Michigan’s native wildlife. In 2024, 54 cases of leptospirosis were reported in dogs. Of these cases, only five animals were vaccinated and 17 died or were humanely euthanized due to the severity of their illness. For cats, key vaccines include those for feline leukemia, panleukopenia, herpes virus, and calicivirus.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 is Available for Rabbits

Domestic rabbits can now be vaccinated against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2), an extremely contagious and fatal virus that affects only rabbits and hares. Even though RHDV2 has not been detected in the state of Michigan, cases of the virus have been found in other U.S. states and in four Canadian provinces. In 2021, a U.S.-based vaccine was developed for RHDV2, which is a vital tool for protecting Michigan’s domestic rabbits and keeping the disease out of the state.

Vaccinations for Mosquito-Borne Illnesses are Vital for Protecting Horses

Vaccinations are also vital to protecting the health of horses, especially from mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and western equine encephalitis. WNV and EEE are regularly seen in Michigan, and EEE is particularly fatal. In 2024, eight cases of WNV and 13 cases of EEE in horses were discovered. For a majority of these detections, the animals were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, and many of the horses died or were euthanized due to the severity their illness.

Horses can also be vaccinated against tetanus.

Contacting your veterinarian can help you to determine which vaccinations are best for your animals and make sure these vaccinations are up to date. One simple visit can make a big difference in protecting animal and human health.

More information on animal diseases can be found on MDARD’s website. For more resources on equine diseases (including cases in Michigan), please visit the Equine Disease Communication Center’s website.