Texas Launches Ag Defense Program to Protect Farmers from Pests, Disease and Predators

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller launches Agricultural Defense Program to combat pests, disease, and predators threatening farmers and ranchers statewide.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller has announced a new Agricultural Defense Program aimed at protecting the state’s farmers and ranchers from pests, disease, and predators.

The initiative, created in partnership with the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, will provide financial support for targeted projects led by the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

Officials say the program will fund efforts like monitoring, rapid response, and field-level interventions to address emerging threats before they cause widespread damage.

“Texas agriculture feeds and clothes the world… this program gives us another powerful tool to stay ahead of these threats,” Miller said.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis to allow for quick response to new risks.

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP: AgDefense

Related Stories
The administration says the rule clarifies enforcement, while opponents warn it could reduce protections for endangered species.
Texas livestock specialists say the pasture mealybug, an invasive insect, has been confirmed in 70 counties since its discovery in 2025.
UT Extension’s Charles Denney visits a Weakley County farm to see how growers and University of Tennessee Extension specialists are working to expand canola production in the Volunteer State.
South Texas producers remain on alert for New World screwworm, stressing that reporting suspected cases is key to expanding sterile fly releases and slowing its spread.