COMMISSIONER MILLER EXTENDS APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR YOUNG FARMER GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH APRIL 17
Monday, April 8, 2024, AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller extended the Young Farmer Grant Program applications through April 17, 2024. This extension aims to provide additional support and assistance to young farmers facing challenges from the Panhandle wildfires. In addition to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund, farmers interested in enhancing their operations through expansion, better land management, increased technology utilization, or other improvements should review this grant opportunity.  Examples of previous projects include expanding and improving traditional cattle, pork, and sheep operations, diversifying poultry lines, and starting new floral and food processing businesses.  [More]

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LEADS CELEBRATIONS OF INAUGURAL TEXAS FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DAY
Friday, April 5, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was proud to announce Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) staff members joined Lake Travis Independent School District (ISD) students for lunch to recognize and honor the first-ever Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day. As part of the celebration, staff engaged with students, highlighting the nutritional benefits of locally grown produce and encouraging them to always include fruits and vegetables in their daily meals. The event served as a reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in nourishing communities and promoting wellness across Texas. Cory Oliver, Board Director for the Texas International Produce Association, and Texas State Representative Carrie Isaac joined TDA staff to promote Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day.  [More]

OPINION: EASTER: A BOUNTY OF TRADITION AND HARVEST
Friday, March 29, 2024, No holiday better embodies the spirit of a farmer's life more than Easter. It is a time of renewal, preparation, hard work, and unwavering faith—values that our agriculture families live by each day. Behind every Easter tradition, from the bounty on our tables to the eggs being hunted, to the Easter clothes on our backs, lies the legacy of agriculture. In just about every cherished Easter tradition, you are likely to find agriculture. From dyeing Easter eggs with your little ones to savoring the flavors of lamb or ham at your holiday feasts, each element is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our farmers and ranchers.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER PROVIDES UPDATE ON HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA DETECTION IN TEXAS AND KANSAS DAIRY HERDS
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided an update on the confirmed presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) found in diagnostic samples from dairy operations in Texas and Kansas. “This outbreak has quickly grabbed the attention of the agriculture industry on a national level,” Commissioner Miller said. “Understanding the details surrounding the transfer of avian virus to livestock is the top priority of animal health professionals and agriculture agencies. While troubling, this outbreak is not currently expected to threaten our nation’s commercial dairy supply.”  [More]