COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ISSUES UPDATE ON RED FLOUR BEETLE ERADICATION EFFORTS IN EL PASO COUNTY
Monday, October 21, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an update on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) prompt actions to combat the Red Flour Beetle infestation affecting El Paso County. In coordination with local and state partners, the TDA's Biosecurity Enforcement Division has launched an aggressive response to bring the infestation under control. This effort will provide immediate relief to the affected areas and prevent the further spread of the invasive pest.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO SECURE WATER USE IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Thursday, October 17, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an executive order giving Texas farmers and ranchers the green light to tap into the Rio Grande for irrigation. The recent heavy rains in Mexico have caused significant runoff from the reservoir Marte Gomez, and too much water is currently flowing into the Gulf of Mexico—wasted. This executive order provides a timely solution for utilizing excess water, which would otherwise be lost. Water will now flow where needed most—to Texas communities, farmers, and ranchers along the Rio Grande Valley. During this critical time, the agriculture community will now have the means to continue serving as a vital component of the state’s diversified economy and to renew the state’s natural resources.  [More]

TEXAS FARM AND RANCH FAMILIES HONORED BY COMMISSIONER SID MILLER AT THE 50TH FAMILY LAND HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Last week, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) honored 61 farms and ranches from 43 Texas counties at the 50th Annual Family Land Heritage (FLH) ceremony. Commissioner Miller was joined by legendary Pro Rodeo announcer Terry Starnes as master of ceremonies and renowned Cowboy poet and entertainer Red Steagall, whose wit and musicianship added to the celebration. The Family Land Heritage program recognizes Texas families who have preserved their farms and ranches in continuous agricultural production for 100 years, a testament to their dedication and resilience.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER CELEBRATES NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK
Monday, October 14, 2024, AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller officially kicked off the state's celebration of National School Lunch Week, set for October 14-18, 2024. This year's theme, School Lunch Pirates: Find Your Treasure, adds excitement to students’ journey toward healthy lifestyles and good nutrition at school. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) proudly partners with more than 8,000 schools to serve 3 million lunches daily and provides resources to help schools promote National School Lunch Week.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES AGENCY PLAN TO ERADICATE THE RED FLOUR BEETLE INFESTATION IN EL PASO COUNTY
Friday, October 4, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is activating its Biosecurity Enforcement Division to address the growing threat of the Red Flour Beetle infestation in Socorro, Texas. This outbreak, linked to the spreading of nut hull material in the area, has raised serious concerns among local residents and surrounding communities in El Paso County.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF THE GO TEXAN WHISKEY TRAIL PODCAST
Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, alongside the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas Whiskey Association, proudly launched the GO TEXAN Explores: Texas Whiskey Trail podcast at a special State Fair of Texas preview event Thursday, September 26, in TDA’s GO TEXAN Pavilion. The gathering celebrated Texas's vibrant whiskey culture, uniting whiskey enthusiasts, local distilleries, and supporters of Texas agriculture in a showcase of the state's rich distilling heritage.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER ENCOURAGES NUTRITION PROGRAM PARTNERS TO SERVE UP TEXAS FARM FRESH
Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller kicked off the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) 2024 Texas Farm Fresh Challenge. This annual event shines a spotlight on schools and childcare centers that go the extra mile by serving Texas-grown products, incorporating agricultural education, and sharing their efforts on social media. Aligning with National Farm to School Month, October in Texas is all about celebrating healthy school meals and honoring the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and producers who make it possible.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER INVITES ALL TEXANS TO THE GO TEXAN PAVILION AT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Monday, September 30, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller invites Texans to the State Fair to experience the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) GO TEXAN Pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers. The Pavilion showcases the finest Texas-made products from GO TEXAN partners, offering a true taste of the Lone Star State.  [More]

CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM EXTENDS ACCESS TO HEALTHY MEALS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION
Thursday, September 19, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller encouraged Texans to explore the benefits of accessing nutritious meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers this federally funded program operating at approximately 13,000 sites in Texas, including adult day care centers, childcare centers, home-based day cares and afterschool programs. TDA and these partners are working to promote healthy lifestyles by ensuring eligible children and adults can enjoy nutritious free or reduced-price meals and snacks in CACFP.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER ENCOURAGES TEXANS TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH BY HELPING OTHERS
Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urges all Texans to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month by learning to recognize the signs of farm stress, supporting those who may be at risk, and helping to break the stigma around asking for help. He especially urged community leaders to step up and have open conversations about the critical importance of mental health, reminding Texans that the agricultural community is stronger when it stands united.  [More]