CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging farmers and ranchers affected by recent flooding to seek financial assistance and mental health support as they recover from losses.
The Texas Department of Agriculture is directing eligible producers to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, which uses private donations to reimburse certain disaster-related expenses.
Miller said the program can help cover costs that insurance and other government programs may not cover, including fencing repairs and livestock disposal.
Because of multiple disasters across Texas, the maximum reimbursement has been reduced from $25,000 to $15,000 so the available funds can reach more producers.
“We want to make sure everybody gets something,” Miller said. “We don’t want to run out of money and not be able to help at least some.”
The department is also encouraging agricultural producers to use the AgriStress Helpline, a year-round service that connects farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with mental health support, local resources and government assistance programs.
Miller said the service also follows up with callers after their initial contact.
The outreach follows several challenging years for Texas agriculture, including drought, wildfires, livestock disease concerns and flooding.
Miller also encouraged Texans to donate to the relief fund, saying the department is distributing assistance faster than it receives new donations.
The AgriStress Helpline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Agricultural, forestry and fishing community members can call or text 833-897-2474.
Information on relief fund applications, donations and other assistance is available through the Texas Department of Agriculture.
