COMMISSIONER MILLER CONFIRMS CAL-MAINE FOOD’S TEXAS POULTRY FACILITY TESTS POSITIVE FOR HPAI
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirmed the Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. poultry facility in Farwell, Texas has received official notice of a positive test for H5N1. Due to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidance for poultry infections, Cal-Maine will be required to depopulate 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets at their Farwell facility. This accounts for approximately 3.6% of the company's total flock as of March 2, 2024. Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. initiates protocols prescribed by the USDA.   [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES ALMOST 200K IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR TEXAS ORGANIC PRODUCERS
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will be receiving nearly $200,000 in grant funding over the next three years from The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). These funds will assist TDA promotional efforts for Texas organic producers through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG). Funded projects under this grant will encompass a wide range of promotional and educational activities showcasing the diversity of the organic agriculture industry in the Lone Star State.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES OVER 800K IN DONATIONS FOR TEXAS PANHANDLE WILDFIRE RELIEF
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is pleased to announce that the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund has received an overwhelming response, with over 1,600 individual donations totaling over $800,000 to support relief efforts for Texas farmers and ranchers devastated by the Panhandle wildfires. These donations will provide critical financial assistance, helping them rebuild and recover from the unprecedented damage.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER ISSUES UPDATE ON HISTORIC PANHANDLE WILDFIRES
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an update on the Texas Panhandle wildfires, expressing deep concern for the affected communities and the agricultural impact. The Panhandle region is facing significant losses, impacting farmers and ranchers profoundly. The Smokehouse Creek Fire is the largest recorded in Texas, the second largest fire in the nation’s history, and is larger than the top 20 largest wildfires in California over the past 90 years. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) actively supports farmers, ranchers, and residents impacted by the catastrophic wildfires through agricultural relief funds, essential hay and feed resources, the AgriStress Helpline, and feeding programs for affected families.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER STANDS WITH FARMERS AND RANCHERS DURING DEVASTATING PANHANDLE WILDFIRES
AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced today his commitment to providing unwavering support to agricultural producers as they deal with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires burning in the Texas Panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, one of five active fires scorching the region, has become the state's second largest in history, having burned over 850,000 acres with minimal containment. Additionally, several grain and seed operations have reported total losses. Commissioner Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) are ready to provide vital assistance to Texans in need through agricultural relief funds, essential hay and feed resources, and feeding programs for affected families.  [More]

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HOSTS BI-ANNUAL QUILT COMPETITION
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) are thrilled to announce the unveiling of the 2024 Quilt Block Competition. This year’s theme, “Texas Agriculture Matters,” celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of the Lone Star State.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER GETS RID OF PESTICIDES THE TDA WAY
AUSTIN- The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service joined forces on Wednesday, January 31, to host a pesticide waste collection and container recycling event in Robstown, Texas where Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed each attendee. This free public event allowed agriculture producers to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides and pesticide containers.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER ENCOURAGES ELIGIBLE FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE HISTORIC FAMILY LAND HERITAGE PROGRAM
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proudly invites Texas farmers and ranchers to apply for recognition at the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) annual Family Land Heritage Ceremony (FLH). This year marks the 50th anniversary of FLH, a significant milestone for TDA. Since 1974, TDA has hosted a ceremony at the Texas State Capitol to celebrate the families who have passed down their proud Texas legacy from generation to generation, and who continue to inspire Texans with their commitment and endurance. This program pays tribute to families who have kept their land in continuous agricultural production for at least one hundred years. TDA requests that qualified families submit their applications for recognition in the 2024 FLH ceremony by Friday, May 31, 2024.  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER AIDS HOMEBOUND TEXANS THROUGH HOME-DELIVERED MEAL PROGRAM
AUSTIN –Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will support 120 meal providers across the state that serve meals to homebound elderly and disabled Texans through TDA’s Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program.  [More]

OPINION: A CALL TO ACTION: WEATHERING ANOTHER DEEP FREEZE
As Mother Nature tightens her grip on the Lone Star State, Texans prepare for yet another deep freeze. I am calling on Governor Abbott and my fellow Texas elected leaders to learn from the state’s past experiences and to join me in helping ensure every Texan is well-equipped to face the challenges of the weekend’s forecasted severe winter storm.  [More]