Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Monday declared an emergency for agriculture following floods that devastated some areas of the Hill Country and have threatened farms and ranches.
Commissioner Miller says the emergency order allows him to activate two or three important programs that will help farmers but will not use taxpayer money.
"Number one, it activates our feed and hay hotline, that's a clearing house and a place to call where you can donate feed, hay and materials to help farmers in need, maybe fencing materials that a farmer or rancher may need.
"Two, it activates our STAR fund, that State of Texas Agriculture Relief, and it doesn't use government funds, it's privately supported, money that we receive from individuals, companies, corporations and non-profits.
And Commissioner Miller says the STAR fund helps with emergency situations that home insurance, property insurance and other programs don't cover.
And then there's the third item, the "Agri-Stress Hotline," which is aimed at helping farmers, ranchers, and those in related fields to get help when they're overwhelmed by the amount of work or stress called for by widespread flooding, North Texas drought, or other disasters that can cause operators to face losses and possible bankruptcies that lead to great mental and physical stress.
Miller says he's happy to report that only a small portion of these programs costs the state money.
"The only thing that eats up a few tax dollars is, we get an allocation from the state legislature to operate the help line."