Agricultural Emergency Declared in Response to Texas Floods

SAN ANGELO, TX – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today declared an agricultural emergency in response to catastrophic floods devastating agricultural communities across Central and South Texas. 

The declaration activates Texas Department of Agriculture relief resources to help farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses recover from widespread flood damage.

Miller also called on Texans to support the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund and encouraged agricultural producers affected by the flooding to apply for available disaster assistance.

"Texas agriculture is taking another heavy blow," Miller said. "Families who make their living on the land are watching their crops, livestock and homes threatened by rising floodwaters. The Texas Department of Agriculture will always stand with our Texas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. We'll do everything we can to help them recover, and I encourage every Texan who is able to support the STAR Fund so we can get help where it's needed most."

Major flooding continues along several river systems across Central and South Texas, including the Nueces River southeast of Uvalde, where floodwaters have reached major flood stage, inundating cropland, pastureland, roads, bridges and agricultural infrastructure while threatening livestock and agricultural operations throughout the floodplain.

Producers are facing damaged crops, washed-out fences, submerged grazing land and disrupted transportation routes.

"The floodwaters will recede, but for now I'm asking producers to stay safe and follow the guidance of local emergency officials," Miller said. "No crop or piece of equipment is worth risking your life."

The Agricultural Emergency Declaration applies to the following counties impacted by severe weather and flooding:

Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brewster, Burnet, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal, Crockett, DeWitt, Dimmit, Edwards, Fayette, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Jackson, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Pecos, Real, Schleicher, Sutton, Terrell, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Williamson, Wilson, Zapata and Zavala.

More counties may be added as conditions warrant.

Texans affected by the flooding have access to several TDA-supported recovery resources:

STAR Fund

Administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, the STAR Fund provides grants to eligible farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to repair or replace agricultural infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

The program relies on tax-deductible private donations to help agricultural producers recover and rebuild after disasters.

To apply for disaster assistance, visit the STAR Fund website or call 833-380-8282.

Hay and Feed Hotline

TDA's Hay and Feed Hotline is a free service connecting hay donors and buyers during emergencies to help livestock producers meet critical feed needs.

Call 877-429-1998 to offer or request assistance.

AgriStress Helpline

Farming and ranching are demanding even in the best of times. When disasters strike, the stress can be overwhelming. The AgriStress Helpline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support from professionals who understand the unique challenges facing agricultural communities.

Call or text 833-897-2474 for support.

Additional information about TDA's Hay and Feed Hotline and AgriStress Helpline is available through the Texas Department of Agriculture website.