Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Friday, Feb. 20 outlined agricultural relief programs for Panhandle ranchers as large wildfires continued burning across the region amid dry fuels and strong winds.
Speaking at a news conference in Amarillo alongside Panhandle officials, Miller said he declared an agricultural disaster, allowing the Texas Department of Agriculture to activate assistance focused on livestock feed, financial aid and rural mental-health support.
The announcement comes as the Lavender Fire and 8-Ball Fire remain active across the High Plains, damaging rangeland and fencing and complicating containment efforts for firefighters.
Feed and fencing assistance
The department’s hay and feed hotline is operating 24 hours a day to coordinate donations and deliveries…