COMMISSIONER SID MILLER CELEBRATES AN OUTSTANDING YEAR OF PESTICIDE WASTE REMOVAL EVENTS
Thursday, December 19, 2024, Today, Commissioner Sid Miller celebrated an outstanding year of pesticide waste removal events conducted by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. These free, public events have allowed Texas agriculture producers to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides and recycle pesticide containers. In total, the events held in Erath, Nueces, and Hidalgo Counties collected over an estimated 312,500 pounds of unused pesticides from 231 participants.  [More]

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER MILLER ON THE PROPOSED LISTING OF MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AS A THREATENED SPECIES
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, The Biden Administration’s recent proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as a threatened species is just the latest example of federal government overreach which cripples agriculture and rural development. Don't be misled. This proposal isn’t about protecting butterflies. It’s about out-of-touch and out-of-control Washington bureaucrats forcing a radical agenda that punishes rural America and the people who call it home.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER CALLS ON TEXANS TO BE VIGILANT OF UNLICENSED PESTICIDE OPERATIONS
Thursday, December 5, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) call on Texans to be vigilant against unlicensed pesticide businesses operating in their communities. These unlicensed pest control operations not only break the law but may also pose severe risks to public health and safety. Protect yourself and your community by ensuring that any pest control services you use are properly licensed and authorized.  [More]

OPINION: RAW MILK: WORTH THE RISK? WE SHOULD GET TO DECIDE
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Living in Stephenville—the dairy capital of Texas—I’ve got a front-row seat to the heartbeat of our state’s dairy industry. Here in Erath County, we take pride in our dairy heritage, so much so that we’ve got a statue of a dairy cow named “Moola” right on the courthouse square. Raw milk, with its accompanying risks, certainly isn’t for everyone, but the fact of the matter is that the consumption of raw milk is as storied a tradition as any in rural America.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING SALES FOR GO TEXAN PARTNERS AT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS 
Thursday, November 14, 2024, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) proudly announce record-breaking sales at the 2024 State Fair of Texas GO TEXAN Pavilion, sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers. This year’s Pavilion was a major success for GO TEXAN partners, achieving an impressive total of $1,114,895 in sales. This figure represents the combined sales of participating GO TEXAN partners and the Pioneer Brand General Store, showcasing the strength and support for Texas-made products.  [More]

OPINION: OUR HEALTH, OUR RESPONSIBILITY: MAKING AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, As the Agriculture Commissioner of one of the country's largest farming and ranching states, I am excited that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has joined President Trump, lending his powerful voice to the MAGA movement. For years, I advocated for policies that put American health first, and with President Trump back in the White House, I am confident that we can make real progress on this front.  [More]

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ON NEW INTERNATIONAL WATER AGREEMENT WITH MEXICO
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, The newly amended water agreement between the United States and Mexico is a step in the right direction, but Texans know that promises don’t water our fields, sustain our livestock, or supply our cities. While we welcome progress to secure the state’s water supply, we need action—plain and simple.  [More]

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]