Texas Department of Ag to give farmers $280 million for water shortages

A scenic view of the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park, in Texas_Photo by jdwfoto via AdobeStock_714805397.png

A scenic view of the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park, Texas.

Photo by jdwfoto via Adobe Stock

Relief is on the way to Texas farmers and ranchers dealing with water shortages.

The Texas Department of Agriculture and USDA have teamed up, offering $280 million in grant assistance for farmers with water rights along the Rio Grande River.

It comes after years of delays with Mexico’s failure to deliver under the 1944 Water Treaty. Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller says farmers there have endured long enough.

The grant application is open now through May 22nd.

Click here to apply

Related Stories
Prepare for acute UAN risk and a brief urea shock; maintain steady ammonia and phosphate plans, and monitor potash basis on the coasts.
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Harvest Pace, Logistics, and Input Costs Drive Fall Decisions