The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has recognized Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for more than a decade of leadership on behalf of Texas agriculture, the Texas Department of Agriculture announced in a Sept. 16 news release.
Miller was one of just 14 state agriculture leaders honored during NASDA’s inaugural Years of Service Ceremony, an event recognizing commissioners, secretaries and directors for longstanding commitment to American agriculture, according to the release. The agency said the honor underscores Miller’s prominent role in advancing Texas agriculture on the national stage.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture,” Miller said in a statement issued by the department. “But I didn’t run for this job to collect awards—I ran to fight for the farmers, ranchers, and hardworking rural Texans who put food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and fuel in our tanks.”
Miller pointed to the range of challenges the state’s producers have weathered during his tenure. “For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of going to work every morning for the greatest agriculture producers on God’s green earth,” he said. “We’ve faced droughts, wildfires, animal disease, soaring input costs, trade fights, and cut through plenty of government red tape. Through it all, Texas agriculture keeps standing tall.”
The commissioner also used the occasion to note cooperation among state agriculture officials. “I’m also proud to work alongside agriculture leaders from across our great country,” Miller said. “We come from different states and sometimes see things differently, but when it comes to promoting American agriculture, we’re on the same team.”
According to the release, Miller accepted the award alongside NASDA President Amanda Beal, NASDA CEO Ted McKinney, Commissioner Richard Ball of New York, Secretary Russell Redding of Pennsylvania, Director Derek Sandison of Washington and Director Doug Miyamoto of Wyoming. Miller closed by directing the credit elsewhere: “I’m grateful to NASDA for this recognition, but the real credit belongs to Texas farmers and ranchers. They’re the reason I do this job, and I’ll keep fighting like hell for Texas agriculture.”