Sid Miller Takes Oath of Office as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture (1/7/2015)

AUSTIN – Sid Miller today took the oath of office as Texas’ 12^th Commissioner of Agriculture before hundreds of his fellow Texans at the State Capitol in Austin. Gov. Rick Perry, who held the top job at the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) from 1991 until 1999, administered the oath during a formal ceremony. Commissioner Miller addressed his family, friends, supporters and colleagues, including  Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, Lt. Governor-elect Dan Patrick, three former Texas Agriculture Commissioners, several legislators and officeholders from across the state.

“Agriculture touches the lives of every man, woman and child in Texas more times a day than any other industry,” Commissioner Miller said. “It doesn’t matter whether you live on a farm in Hockley County or in the suburbs of Houston. Life doesn’t work without agriculture. It matters to every parent who wants to ensure their children have access to the best quality and safest food available. Agriculture matters to the one in seven Texans who work in an agriculture-related job. Texas has always been at the forefront of producing the food and fiber that sustains our nation and the world. Let’s face it: Agriculture is the driving force that makes our lives worth living.”

To view a video of the full swearing-in ceremony, click here.

Commissioner Miller hit the ground running after the November 2014 general election, naming a highly-skilled transition and leadership team for TDA. As Commissioner-elect, Miller also hosted a delegation of Chinese officials in Austin to grow agriculture trade opportunities between Texas and the Gansu province of China, which is home to more than 26 million residents.

Looking ahead, Commissioner Miller’s goals for his tenure at TDA include ensuring the agriculture industry plays a vital role in developing future state water plans; growing trade opportunities for Texas farmers and ranchers; and increasing consumer protection enforcement at TDA.

Commissioner Miller has a deep-rooted history in Texas’ agriculture industry. He holds a degree in vocational agriculture education. Commissioner Miller is a cattle rancher and farmer, as well as the owner/operator of a commercial nursery business. A former six-term member of the Texas House of Representatives, Commissioner Miller served as a member of the State Agriculture Policy Board and as chairman of the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee. He also is a professional rodeo cowboy and holds nine American Quarter Horse Association world championship titles.

Commissioner Miller and his wife, Debra, are from Stephenville, Texas. They have two married sons, Truett and Joseph, and two grandchildren.

For Commissioner Miller’s full biography, click here.