OPINION: NEW HORSE PROTECTION ACT RULE: MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
The Biden Administration’s new Horse Protection Act (HPA) rule might sound like a good idea on paper, but let me tell you—it’s a disaster in practice. This rule isn’t about protecting horses; it’s about federal bureaucrats grabbing more control over an industry they clearly don’t understand. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new rule is so absurd that it makes using fly spray on a horse a potential violation. That’s not a joke—they can’t be serious!  [More]

COMMISSIONER MILLER SHARES TIPS TO PROTECT TEXANS DURING COLD FRONT
AUSTIN- An arctic blast is expected to sweep across the state. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller reminds farmers, ranchers, and Texans to prepare their livestock, farm equipment, and homes for the cold weather. Proper preparation can make the difference between a successful season and costly setbacks.  [More]

OPINION: A COMPASSIONATE AND SENSIBLE CANNABIS POLICY FOR TEXAS
Just down the street from the Austin headquarters of the Texas Department of Agriculture is a trailer selling consumable cannabis products; the sole purpose of these products is to inebriate. When did the Texas legislature debate recreational marijuana and ultimately vote to legalize it?  [More]

OPINION: DOLLARS DON’T KILL SCREWWORMS
The federal government has a bad habit of spending money on problems before even figuring out what’s really wrong, and the recent New World screwworm scare is a prime example. This is typical Washington behavior—prematurely spending first and asking questions later. But here in Texas, we do things differently. We solve problems with proven solutions, not government handouts and wasteful spending.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER CELEBRATES AN OUTSTANDING YEAR OF PESTICIDE WASTE REMOVAL EVENTS
Today, Commissioner Sid Miller celebrated an outstanding year of pesticide waste removal events conducted by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. These free, public events have allowed Texas agriculture producers to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides and recycle pesticide containers. In total, the events held in Erath, Nueces, and Hidalgo Counties collected over an estimated 312,500 pounds of unused pesticides from 231 participants.  [More]

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER MILLER ON THE PROPOSED LISTING OF MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AS A THREATENED SPECIES
The Biden Administration’s recent proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as a threatened species is just the latest example of federal government overreach which cripples agriculture and rural development. Don't be misled. This proposal isn’t about protecting butterflies. It’s about out-of-touch and out-of-control Washington bureaucrats forcing a radical agenda that punishes rural America and the people who call it home.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER CALLS ON TEXANS TO BE VIGILANT OF UNLICENSED PESTICIDE OPERATIONS
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) call on Texans to be vigilant against unlicensed pesticide businesses operating in their communities. These unlicensed pest control operations not only break the law but may also pose severe risks to public health and safety. Protect yourself and your community by ensuring that any pest control services you use are properly licensed and authorized.  [More]

OPINION: RAW MILK: WORTH THE RISK? WE SHOULD GET TO DECIDE
Living in Stephenville—the dairy capital of Texas—I’ve got a front-row seat to the heartbeat of our state’s dairy industry. Here in Erath County, we take pride in our dairy heritage, so much so that we’ve got a statue of a dairy cow named “Moola” right on the courthouse square. Raw milk, with its accompanying risks, certainly isn’t for everyone, but the fact of the matter is that the consumption of raw milk is as storied a tradition as any in rural America.  [More]

COMMISSIONER SID MILLER ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING SALES FOR GO TEXAN PARTNERS AT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS 
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) proudly announce record-breaking sales at the 2024 State Fair of Texas GO TEXAN Pavilion, sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers. This year’s Pavilion was a major success for GO TEXAN partners, achieving an impressive total of $1,114,895 in sales. This figure represents the combined sales of participating GO TEXAN partners and the Pioneer Brand General Store, showcasing the strength and support for Texas-made products.  [More]

OPINION: OUR HEALTH, OUR RESPONSIBILITY: MAKING AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN
As the Agriculture Commissioner of one of the country's largest farming and ranching states, I am excited that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has joined President Trump, lending his powerful voice to the MAGA movement. For years, I advocated for policies that put American health first, and with President Trump back in the White House, I am confident that we can make real progress on this front.  [More]