Sid Miller: Heartbreak and Hope in the Wake of Texas Floods

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – As your Agriculture Commissioner, my heart aches for the families shattered by the Independence Day floods in Kerrville and across our Hill Country. The loss of life, especially our precious children at Camp Mystic, is a wound that cuts deep. These floods, with the Guadalupe River rising 29 feet in mere hours, have left our communities reeling, with over 100 lives lost and many still missing.

The Texas Department of Agriculture is taking several important steps. First, I have activated our STAR Fund to collect donations to help our farmers and ranchers recover from the devastating losses of the livestock, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to help keep Texas fed.
Second, I have activated the Hay and Feed Hotline to ensure that our fellow Texans and Americans can help provide feed to keep affected livestock healthy and viable until normal operations can resume.

Third, and most importantly, I have opened our mental health AgriStress Helpline (833-897-2474) to ALL Texans in need of support during this difficult time. There is no shame in asking for help. We’re here for you.

We’re working tirelessly to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities have the resources to rebuild. This is our commitment to you—Texas strong, Texas proud.

In times like these, I turn to Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” Let this be our comfort as we mourn and heal together.

We are Texans—forged in resilience, bound by community. From the heroic efforts of first responders to neighbors helping neighbors, our spirit shines through the darkest storms. We’ve faced trials before, and we’ll rise again.

Hold fast to hope. We will rebuild, restore, and honor those we’ve lost by coming together as one Texas family. Keep faith, stay safe, and know that we’re in this fight together.