Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an urgent alert this week to producers across the state to inspect their pastures for a newly detected and highly damaging pest.

Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) are warning horse owners about an outbreak of a particularly aggressive strain of an equine virus reported by veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Racing finals in the Waco area.

The USDA estimates the families of 3.8 million children could have received $120 per child to cover summer lunches if the state participated in the new $2.5 billion program launching this summer. Texas is one of 15 states opting out.

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s elected leader, Sid Miller, has fought protections for trans workers.

Experts said the plan, announced at the state GOP convention on Saturday, is not realistic and possibly not legal.

The incumbent avoided a runoff. State Rep. James White had tried to unseat Miller with criticisms centered on controversies under Miller’s leadership.

Controlled burns, used to prevent catastrophic wildfires, are typically safe and rarely get out of control. Experts warn that burns gone awry can scare residents and compromise the critical fire management tool.

Attorneys for Smith said he has not broken any laws. Miller, who is seeking reelection and facing a competitive primary, said Tuesday evening he's "not ready to throw [Smith] under the bus" and believes the indictment was politically motivated.

The top political consultant to Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was arrested Thursday on allegations that he participated in a scheme to solicit money and campaign contributions for state hemp licenses issued by Miller’s Texas Department of Agriculture.

KATY, Texas – The Katy Independent School District is providing free meals to all students in the area, even if they aren’t part of the district, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) extended the food program waiver, the district announced. Katy ISD began providing meals Monday and students can receive free breakfast and lunch through Dec. 31, or pending available funds through the USDA and TDA. “All students are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch meal per day per federal guidance,” said Nutrition & Food Service Executive Director Donna Pittenger. “Parents can however add funds to their student’s Pay N' Go meal account for a la carte purchases or in preparation for when the USDA waiver ends,” she added. Once the waiver expires, Katy ISD will switch back to the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, according to a press release.

Fort Bend ISD has announced that all students can receive free breakfast and lunch free at grab-and-go meals sites, district learning centers, and during face-to-face learning starting Sept. 9. The program is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020 as a result of a waiver from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). FBISD is strongly encouraging all families to complete a Free & Reduced Meals application at www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd. Parents can pick up meals for students and must provide one of the following documents:Student ID cardsIndividual student report cardsAttendance record from parent portal of SkywardBirth certificate for childrenWithout one of the listed items above, the district said parents will receive meals for the number of students present with them, on foot or in a vehicle. Please visit one of our 10 grab-and-go locations for curbside service.

At least 187 Texans have reported receiving mystery packets of seeds in the mail from China. An invasive plant species might not sound threatening, but these small invaders could destroy Texas agriculture. Intentionally keeping or planting the seeds would be illegal, Miller said., because they are an illegal product. First, it was a China virus, then it was murder hornets. The phrase "China virus," used by President Donald Trump and defended by politicians including U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, has been criticized as racist and anti-Chinese.

Skimming is a growing crime. It's when thieves copy your credit card information with devices they put on or inside of credit card readers or pay terminals.

Fueling up -- nearly everyone in Houston has to do it. For many people, all it takes to pay is a quick swipe of a credit or debit card. But that swipe could put you at risk if a crook has hidden a...