Texas Department of Agriculture
Recent News About Texas Department of Agriculture
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Texas officials warn against unlicensed pesticide businesses
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have issued a call for vigilance against unlicensed pesticide businesses in Texas communities.
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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.
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller supports RFK Jr.'s role in Trump administration
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed his support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Texas acts against Red Flour Beetle outbreak in El Paso County
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided an update on the efforts to eradicate the Red Flour Beetle infestation in El Paso County. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), alongside local and state partners, has initiated a strong response through its Biosecurity Enforcement Division to control the situation. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief and prevent further spread of the pest.
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Sid Miller orders use of Rio Grande overflow for irrigation amid Mexican rains
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued an executive order allowing farmers and ranchers in Texas to use water from the Rio Grande for irrigation. This decision comes after heavy rainfall in Mexico led to significant runoff from the Marte Gomez reservoir, resulting in excess water flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
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Podcast explores texas whiskey trail featuring local distilleries
The podcast highlights grain-to-glass distilleries across Texas, now streaming on all platforms
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Commissioner Miller launches 2024 Texas Farm Fresh Challenge
This month, schools and childcare centers across Texas will be recognized for promoting local foods and teaching children about healthy meals and Texas agriculture.
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Texas extends access to healthy meals through Child And Adult Care Food Program
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has urged Texans to explore the benefits of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), this federally funded initiative operates at approximately 13,000 sites across Texas, including adult day care centers, childcare centers, home-based daycares, and afterschool programs. The program aims to promote healthy lifestyles by providing eligible children and adults with nutritious free or reduced-price meals and snacks.
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Texas launches "Peace of Mind" campaign to support farmer's mental health
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have announced the launch of the "Texas Peace of Mind" campaign. This initiative is dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of the state's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers through TDA’s AgriStress Helpline.
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner warns of online scams targeting residents
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a statement on September 10, 2024, urging Texans to remain vigilant against online scams and fraudulent activities.
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Texas secures $1.4 million in USDA funds for specialty crops
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has secured over $1.4 million in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This funding will be used to develop programs aimed at strengthening Texas's specialty crop industry.
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Sid Miller calls for self-reliance in securing Texas' water supply
Water is essential for Texas agriculture, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. For decades, Texas has depended on Mexico to fulfill its obligations under a 1944 water treaty. However, recent shortfalls have left Texas short by over 900,000 acre-feet of water. "Mexico has now fallen behind, once again," said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. He emphasized that Texans need to take charge and secure their own water supply.
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OPINION: WATER FOR TEXANS, BY TEXANS: THE PATH TO SELF-RELIANCE
Water is the lifeblood of Texas agriculture, and nowhere is that more critical than in the Rio Grande Valley. For too long, we’ve been at the mercy of Mexico, waiting on them to deliver on empty promises stemming back to a water treaty negotiated in 1944 — eighty years ago! Mexico has now fallen behind, once again, in providing more than 900,000 acre-feet, or about 1.1 billion cubic meters of water they owe to Texas and the U.S., and again, they’ve shown they can’t be trusted as reliable partners. It’s time to stop whining about it and act. Texans need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, take charge, and secure our water supply.
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Texas wine industry joins global 'Come Over October' campaign
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have announced the participation of the Texas wine industry in the global Come Over October campaign. This initiative coincides with Texas Wine Month, celebrated every October. With approximately 500 wineries across Texas, residents are encouraged to enjoy and share local wines with family and friends.
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KJZT Family Life donates $4,000 to support Texas agriculture recovery
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced a $4,000 contribution to the State of Texas Agricultural Relief (STAR) Fund from KJZT Family Life, a 130-year-old fraternal benefit society. This donation supports Texas farmers and ranchers as they rebuild after disasters like the Panhandle wildfires.
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Commissioner Miller encourages Texans to celebrate National Farmers Market Week
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the kickoff of National Farmers Market Week, which runs from August 4th to 10th. The week celebrates the significant role farmers markets play in strengthening the food system and fostering healthier communities. Farmers markets contribute millions of dollars annually to local producers and promote healthy eating by providing fresh, locally grown food.
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Texas launches program to recruit and retain nurses in rural areas
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced today that applications are open for the Rural Nursing Recruitment & Retention Program (RNRR). This initiative aims to provide eligible healthcare facilities with funds to incentivize nurses to work in rural areas of Texas.
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Commissioner Miller secures critical food assistance for storm-affected Houston residents
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the approval of his request for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to operate the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Disaster Household Distribution (DHD) program. This emergency measure will enable the Houston Food Bank to provide critical food assistance to residents in seven counties impacted by severe weather, flooding, extended power outages, and road closures. More than a million homes and businesses in the Houston area were without power, and over 40 school districts had closures due to the...
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Agricultural Pesticide Waste Collection Event Held in Erath County
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Miller, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and hazardous waste recycler Clean Earth collaborated to host an Agricultural Pesticide Waste Collection event in Stephenville, Texas, located in Erath County. This free public event was designed to enable agriculture producers to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides and pesticide containers.
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Commissioner Miller recognizes school nutrition professionals in Texas
AUSTIN – On Friday Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller invited all Texans to join him in expressing appreciation to the state's dedicated school nutrition professionals on School Lunch Hero Day. These professionals ensure that school meals meet high nutrition standards, offering children some of the healthiest foods. School Lunch Hero Day honors their hard work and serves as a reminder to show appreciation for those who provide over 800 million nutritious meals to Texas students annually.