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Starting a New Grade "A" Dairy Farm


Who needs a license?

If you want to sell raw milk for processing into any Grade "A" milk or milk products you are required to have a Grade "A" 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?

There is no fee. In Michigan the plant pays the fee.


How do I apply for a license?

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


Are there any special requirements to obtain a license?

Yes.  An inspection and a water sample are required.  There are a number of other requirements.
Additional information - "Summary of Requirements for Grade "A" Dairy Farm Milk Production in Michigan" DY-348 .


Who do I contact for an inspection?

An individual who is interested in operating a Grade "A" dairy farm should contact the Lansing office at 800-292-3939.


Establishing a new Dairy Farm in accordance with the Grade "A" Milk Law of 2001

  1. Read "Summary of Requirements for Grade "A" Dairy Farm Milk Production in Michigan", DY-348

  2. Contact the Lansing Office at 800-292-3939 to set up a meeting with a Michigan Department of Agriculture dairy inspector. 

  3. The inspector will work with the prospective dairy farmer through the planning and development stages, until the farm meets licensing and inspection criteria.

  4. For further information, review:

  5. These may or may not apply to your specific situation.

  6. Once the farm is established and issued a permit, any future changes need to be reviewed with the local inspector.

  7. Some fees may apply -- $15 fee if the newly established farm ships its milk out of state for processing or if the newly established farm does its own milk processing or marketing. Application form DY-315 is required.

  8. Requests for additional information can be made by email at
    mda-dairyinfo@michigan.gov

  9. Some construction plan tips


Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance of 2007


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