A conservation group says that monarch butterfly populations fell dramatically last year, claiming they counted 96% fewer butterflies than the previous year.
Federal officials are now taking action to extend protections for the species yet again. However, Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller says that is not the best solution.
According to Commissioner Miller, “You know I love the monarch butterfly. Who doesn’t? They’re beautiful and, you know, we see them through central Texas all the time. They come from all the way down from Canada through the Central Flyway, which is the Great Plains down into Mexico. Now, this is the second time that federal fish and wildlife have proposed to putting them on the threatened list, and they are declining numbers. But it’s a kind of a stupid way to do it in my opinion. It doesn’t matter what we do in Canada or the United States, it’s not going to help the monarch population. We’re not the problem.”
The commissioner says that the true issue lies in Mexico, where a valuable monarch butterfly habitat has been destroyed.
“There’s a certain mountain east of Mexico City that has these special fir trees on it and that’s where they overwinter,” Miller explains. “The problem is because of deforestation, there’s only 2% of that forest left. So, if you want to save the monarchs, plant some more fir trees.”
Commissioner Miller says that home-raised monarchs, like the ones used for school projects, can also be problematic. He warns that home-raised butterflies mix with natives and can ultimately mess up their migration patterns.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
January 28, 2026 12:27 PM
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RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
January 27, 2026 11:51 AM
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Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
January 26, 2026 04:30 PM
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
January 23, 2026 05:05 PM
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
January 23, 2026 01:36 PM
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Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
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Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
January 22, 2026 06:25 PM
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FWSSR Communications Director Matt Brockman discusses the event’s competitions, safety preparations, and family-friendly activities during the opening weekend.
From Junior Heifer Shows to Mustang Magic competitions, the 23-day event brings together 4-H and FFA participants, livestock enthusiasts, and families to celebrate North Texas’ rich Western heritage.
January 21, 2026 01:03 PM
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Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
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