Commissioner Miller Announces Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers Devastated by Floods (6/2/2016)

As farmers and ranchers across the Lone Star State deal with continuous rainfall and the aftermath of recent flooding, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has directed the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to work with the State Emergency Operations Center and Texas Animal Health Commission to closely monitor the rapidly changing weather situation and provide assistance to farmers and ranchers affected by the floods.

“Recent flooding across the state has left our neighbors in need, many of whom are the farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to supplying Texas and the nation with food and clothing,” Commissioner Miller said. “Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture, we are standing by ready to help in any way we can.”

Commissioner Miller is also calling on his fellow Texans to lend a helping hand to those in need by donating to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund or STAR Fund.

The STAR Fund was created to collect monetary contributions from private individuals and businesses to assist farmers and ranchers in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. Funds may be used to rebuild fences, restore operations and pay for other agricultural relief efforts.

“We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, Texans always rise to the challenge,” Commissioner Miller said. “I ask anyone who has the means to assist those in need to please come forward and show their support.”

You can learn more about how to donate to the STAR Fund on TDA’s website at TexasAgriculture.gov or call TDA’s Grants Office at (512) 463-6695.

As farmers and ranchers begin to assess the damage and rebuild their lives, Commissioner Miller is encouraging them to apply for assistance through the STAR Fund. TDA is now accepting applications for grants, which are available in areas where a state of disaster declaration has been issued by the governor. Farmers and ranchers can apply for assistance through the STAR Fund by contacting TDA’s Grants Office at Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov or by visiting TexasAgriculture.gov.

Additionally, producers who are missing livestock because of flooding are encouraged to provide the information to the local sheriff’s department in both the county where the animals were initially located and in the county where they may possibly be found. Producers can also notify the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) at (800) 242-7820 or MissingCattle@TSCRA.org.

TDA will also continue to monitor the need for hay and feed in affected areas and will request those donations should they become necessary.