State Ag Relief Fund Gets a Boost After Recent Floods (8/29/2016)

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today proudly announced the donation of $5,000 by Land O’Lakes Inc. to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund. Managed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the STAR Fund provides emergency assistance to Texas farmers and ranchers affected by disasters like the flooding that’s occurred in parts of Texas this year. Funded exclusively by private donations, STAR funds are often used to rebuild fences vital to livestock businesses, restore operations and pay for other agricultural disaster relief.

“I am so grateful that Land O’Lakes has reached out to help Texas farmers and ranchers in their time of need,” Commissioner Miller said. “Companies like Land O’Lakes understand the importance of the American farmer and rancher, and their willingness to step up and help is much appreciated.”

“On behalf of Texas farmers and ranchers, I want to say thank you,” Commissioner Miller said. 

Based in Minnesota, Land O’Lakes Inc. is the parent company of Land O’Lakes dairy products, Purina Animal Nutrition feed, and WinField agricultural seed and crop protection products. Land O’Lakes dairy products are produced by a co-op of dairy farmers across the U.S., and the company is farmer-owned.

“We are very sorry to hear about the negative impacts of flooding in Texas,” said Brian Gier, vice president of sales for Purina Animal Nutrition. “Land O’Lakes hopes that our support will help some of the animal owners that have been impacted by the excessive flooding.”

 

STAR Fund assistance is available for farmers and ranchers residing in areas in areas where a state of disaster declaration has been issued by the governor or president. The fund has languished in recent years, but Commissioner Miller has led the effort to replenish it.

“I’ve called on all Texas businesses and individuals — especially those in the ag sector — to help me rebuild this fund for our farmers and ranchers,” Commissioner Miller said. “The STAR Fund supports the men and women who grow the food and fiber that feeds our family and puts clothes on our back. Let’s rally together as Texans to help these folks get back on their feet.”

More information on the TDA’s STAR Fund program can be found here. If you’d like to help those impacted by wildfires, floods, tornadoes, freezes or other natural disasters, consider making a donation today.

“The flooding in our neighboring state, Louisiana, should serve as a reminder that a disaster can happen here, too, and the state of Texas should be ready to help Texas agriculture in any way we can,” Commissioner Miller said.

To make a donation, contact the Texas Department of Agriculture STAR Fund grant coordinators Brenda Tharp and Mindy Fryer at 512-463-6695 or via email at grants@texasagriculture.gov.