I just held a national call with almost a thousand participants on the first U.S. detection of New World Screwworm in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas — where I’ll be heading next week.
We are well prepared and are implementing our full Response Playbook with Texas officials as we speak:
• 20-km movement control zone
• Sterile fly releases underway (4 million/week ground + 4 million/week aerial)
• Enhanced border trapping & wildlife surveillance
This hasn’t caught us off guard. The Trump Administration has been preparing since Jan 21, 2025, strengthening border protections, pushing for containment in Mexico, and updating our NWS Response Playbook. We are well prepared and are now fully implementing this response alongside Texas officials right now.
Follow our new rapid response account @Screwworm_RR for LIVE updates.
A case of NWS may have been detected in South Texas. The sample is now at USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, lowa for confirmatory testing. We will provide updates the moment results are available.
We have already activated personnel on the ground and are working with local partners.
What you can expect from us is transparency, candor, and most important — action.
https://t.co/MrhuQr9UbN
USDA has opened enrollment for its Specialty Crop Farmers Program, making $1.6 billion in assistance available to producers. Enrollment for the program remains open through Aug. 7th. #AgTwitter
Just held a virtual NWS briefing call with over 700 attendees from media to stakeholders to elected officials, to deliver a full update on the flesh-eating New World Screwworm pest as it nears our southern border — a threat that could potentially devastate American agriculture, livestock, and wildlife.
In the Trump Administration, transparency is non-negotiable.
We’re keeping the public updated in real time, shutting down rumors, and laying down the facts on exactly what we and our state partners are doing to protect American agriculture, livestock, and wildlife.
For more information, go to ➡️ https://t.co/PWVCae53Jw
If members of the press have any questions going forward, please submit them to [email protected]
Cotton is the best natural, breathable, and soft fabric option – and even better – 40% of America's cotton is grown in Texas!
Thank you, @SecRollins, for putting our farmers first and boosting the American cotton industry – which contributes billions annually to the Texas economy. #PlantnotPlastic
On National Rescue Dog Day, we celebrate the incredible rescue dogs who remind us every day what loyalty, resilience, and unconditional love look like. 🐶🐕🇺🇸
At @USDA, protecting animal welfare is more than a mission — it’s a responsibility. Earlier this year, USDA partnered with @TheJusticeDept, @DHSgov, and @HHSgov to crack down on chronic dog welfare violators and strengthen enforcement against animal cruelty and dog fighting operations.
This one is especially important to me — we adopted my precious Aussie Shepard, Maggie, almost 10 years ago. She has been my best friend, travel companion, herder of my kids (especially when they were young!), guardian (she is VERY protective of her mom!), and has participated in thousands of conference calls beneath my desk for a decade. Thank you to Lauren and the wonderful team @SavingHopeTx for one of the greatest gifts of all. My family AND our USDA family is so proud to support rescue and adoption efforts that help deserving dogs find safe, loving homes across America.
If you’ve ever adopted a rescue dog, you know the truth: they may be rescued, but they end up rescuing us too. ❤��
.@SenTedCruz tells TFB members how he worked with @SecRollins and President Trump to push Mexico to live up to its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.
That water is vital to farmers in South Texas.
“We are seeing real victories, but we’ve got to keep going.”
This morning, I met with members of the @TexasFarmBureau to talk about issues directly impacting ranchers, farmers, and rural communities across #TX28.
We talked about the importance of a strong agricultural workforce, protecting private property rights, the future of the Farm Bill, and the need for bipartisan cooperation when it comes to supporting American agriculture. We also discussed ongoing water challenges affecting South Texas producers and the importance of continued coordination with Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Agriculture remains one of the most important industries in South Texas and across our state. That is why I have continued working through the appropriations process to support producers, strengthen rural communities, and address issues important to South Texas agriculture.
I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from agricultural leaders from across Texas and exchange ideas on how Congress can continue supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Thank you to the Texas Farm Bureau members who traveled to Washington to share their perspectives and advocate for Texas agriculture.
Eric took the stage at UNC Chapel Hill to deliver a commencement speech to the next generation of Tar Heels, sharing a message for the graduates as they step into what comes next.
Watch the speech in its entirety here: https://t.co/DbqOdqiymt
California agriculture is facing increasing pressure, and the impacts keep showing.
Nearly 30% decline in farms over the past decades
Regulatory costs have surged
Food prices have risen more than 80%
California voters are feeling it:
Grocery costs, utilities and everyday expenses are top concerns across the state. Supporting agriculture means supporting affordability, food security and the future of California communities.
What are your top concerns? Let us know in the comments below.
Was not ready for Eric Church to deliver the best commencement speech I’ve ever heard.
Six guitar strings. Six pillars of a life.
Faith. Family. Spouse. Ambition. Community. You.
Tune them when you’re whole, not just when you’re broken.
Watch the whole thing.