Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced his agency’s commitment to providing support to the state’s producers as they deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned through almost 1,700 square miles of land, making it the largest on record in Texas going back to 1988. Seven grain and seed operations have reported total losses.
“The fires not only threaten lives and property but will also have a substantial impact on our agriculture industry,” Miller says. “Over 85 percent of the state’s cattle population is located on ranches in the Panhandle.”
He also says there are millions of cattle in the region, with some towns made up of more cattle than people.
As Governor Greg Abbott declares a disaster in 60 counties, the TDA’s State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund is calling for donations to assist Texas Panhandle farmers and ranchers.
Source: NAFB News Service