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
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
RFD-TV expert Roger McEowen explains why a “skinny” Farm Bill is likely in the future, but its scope may change due to provisions contained in the Big, Beautiful Bill.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases are rising. In the last week, seven commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were culled across five Midwest states and California.
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.