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]