Commissioner Sid Miller Outlines Five-Point Beef Policy to Support U.S. Consumers and Producers
AUSTIN, Texas (October 23, 2025) — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller unveiled a detailed five-point plan Thursday aimed at rebuilding America’s cattle herd, reducing beef prices at the grocery store, and protecting U.S. ranchers from what he described as “failed Biden administration policies.”
Miller’s proposal follows a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plan introduced this week under President Donald Trump’s administration and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. While Miller said he welcomes the USDA’s initiative, he urged the administration to take additional steps to strengthen the nation’s beef industry and lower consumer prices.
“The plan released yesterday by the USDA is a good start,” Miller said. “But as Agriculture Commissioner of our nation’s largest beef-producing state — and a rancher myself — I believe more can be done to help rebuild our national herd and support both producers and consumers.”
Miller’s five key recommendations include:
- Avoid Reliance on Lower-Quality Argentinian Beef Imports — Miller argues that additional imports from Argentina will only affect low-grade hamburger meat and do little to support U.S. producers or improve overall meat quality.
- Reverse the Agricultural Trade Deficit — Citing a $48 billion trade gap, Miller said the U.S. should focus on exporting high-quality American beef instead of increasing imports that “outsource our food supply.”
- Reopen and Expand Grazing Access — Miller called for reopening federal grazing lands idled under President Biden’s “30 by 30” conservation initiative and for allowing grazing on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program to aid ranchers facing drought.
- Create a Heifer Retention Tax Credit — Modeled after the Child Tax Credit, this incentive would reward producers for keeping heifers to rebuild the national cattle herd and expand domestic beef supply.
- Targeted Imports of Live Mexican Cattle — Miller proposed reopening ports for feeder cattle from Mexico to stabilize the beef supply chain, noting that carefully managed imports could be achieved without compromising biosecurity.
“These five actions will rebuild America’s cattle herd, stabilize beef supplies, lower consumer prices, and support our nation’s cattle producers,” Miller said.
He also praised President Trump for “engaging directly with producers” and supporting policies aimed at revitalizing rural America. “By working together, we can strengthen our domestic beef industry and ensure that families across the country have access to high-quality, affordable American beef,” Miller added.
The Texas Department of Agriculture said it will continue coordinating with federal officials and livestock organizations to promote measures that boost cattle production while keeping food prices in check.
The full text of Commissioner Miller’s policy statement is available through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s website.
The Alamo Letter Unveiling Ceremony Took Place October 18th With a Touch of Rain
October 24, 2025 – The Alamo Letter Society of Hopkins County, Texas, Alamo Letter Unveiling Ceremony was held October 18th, 2025, on Celebration Plaza, Downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas. The ceremony honoring Historical Texas heros was well attended, but got shortened by rain. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this important event.
2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest Presented by Lucchese
By State Fair of Texas | October 22, 2025 | It’s time to hang up Big Tex’s old boots and design a new pair! The 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest officially kicks off today, October 22, 2025. In 2023, Big Tex got a brand-new pair of custom Lucchese boots, designed by previous contest winner Jessica Bonilla of Irving, Texas, and now he wants to give another loyal Fair fan the opportunity to design his next pair that he’ll debut at the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
In 2023, the contest was narrowed down to five designs, with Bonilla’s design coming in as the top choice. As the first-place winner, Bonilla received the opportunity to work with the State Fair of Texas and Lucchese Bootmaker to put the finishing touches on her boot design before her design was brought to life on Big Tex’s size 96 boots. While these boots are very special to Big Tex, he’s ready to refresh his wardrobe with a whole new pair. The 2026 Big Tex Boot Design Contest, presented by Lucchese Bootmaker, gives Fair fans the chance to design the biggest, best-known pair of boots in the Lone Star State.
It’s time to get creative and submit your best design. All you need to do is draw, paint, or illustrate your design on the templates provided at BigTex.com/DesignMyBoots and submit them with an entry form to the State Fair of Texas. The winning design will be announced on March 2, 2026. Who knows? It just might be yours.
The contest opens today, October 22, 2025, and the deadline is January 31, 2026, so get to designing! All entries must be postmarked by Saturday, January 31, 2026, to be considered.
The 2025 Fall Festival Parade Marched Through Sulphur Springs October 18th
October 23, 2025 – The Hopkins County 2025 Fall Festival Parade managed to beat the rain as it marched through Sulphur Springs, Texas, October 18th, 2025. Below is KSST’s/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this exciting parade. KSST’s James Terry provided Play by Play, and Color Commentary, for the Fall Festival Parade.
Learn About Fat Squirrel Week and How You Can Vote on This Second Cup Of Coffee
October 22, 2025 – Voting ends October 24th, 2025 for the best Fat Squirrel during this week, which is Fat Squirrel Week. Cooper Lake State Park Supervisor Aron Maib visited on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to talk about “Fat Squirrel Week.” Aron and John Mark also chat about the Fall Hike Cooper Lake is going to host October 25th, 2025. Supervisor Aron Maib also talked about the lake levels at Cooper Lake, fiber optics being installed out at Cooper Lake State Park, and much more. Be sure to check out this funny segment and learn how you can vote for Cooper Lake’s chubby squirrel, Bingus. Be sure to vote by October 24th, 2025!
Attorney General Ken Paxton Arrests 35 Illegal Aliens for Immigration Violations Through Partnership with Trump Administration
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Criminal Investigative Division has detained and turned over for deportation 35 illegal aliens through its Section 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”).
“Through our partnership with the Trump Administration, Texas is a safer place. Every illegal must be found, detained, and deported,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The invasion of illegal aliens encouraged by the Biden Administration represented one of the greatest threats to national sovereignty in our history. We will defend the American homeland by deporting the illegal aliens threatening to alter the fabric of our country.”
Recently, the Criminal Investigative Division encountered and detained 35 illegal aliens across the state in multiple metropolitan areas. These foreign nationals were then processed for removal by ICE in accordance with federal immigration law.
Immediately after President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, he issued an executive order to defend the American people against the illegal aliens invading from across the world. Section 11 of that order called for the Secretary of Homeland Security to authorize state and local law enforcement entities to perform the functions of immigration officers as authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
In February, Attorney General Paxton became the first law enforcement official in Texas to enter into a new 287(g) agreement during President Trump’s second term. This agreement enables trained members of the Office of the Attorney General to perform immigration law enforcement functions.
This press release was originally posted here.
Headed North? New Oklahoma Laws Target Drunk Drivers
New Oklahoma Law Expands Felony DUI Criteria Starting November 1
October 22, 2025 – A new Oklahoma law taking effect November 1 will significantly toughen penalties for driving under the influence, expanding the criteria for what qualifies as a felony DUI offense.
Oklahoma casinos say 80% of their patrons are from the Lone Star State.
Under the revised statute, individuals can now face felony charges even for a first-time DUI, depending on the level of impairment, the presence of minors in the vehicle, or if the offense results in injury or property damage. Previously, felony DUI charges were typically reserved for repeat offenders or cases involving serious injury or death.
It has been estimated that residents from Texas and the DFW area spent over $2.5 billion every year at border state casinos.
Law enforcement officials say the goal is to deter dangerous driving behavior and reduce alcohol-related crashes, which remain a leading cause of fatalities on Oklahoma roads. “This law sends a strong message,” said Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Mark Reynolds. “Driving impaired, even once, can have life-changing consequences — including prison time.”
First-time offenders under the new law could face up to five years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and mandatory participation in substance abuse programs.
State officials are urging residents to plan ahead, use designated drivers, or rely on ride-share services. “It’s not worth the risk,” Reynolds added. “We want people to get home safe — and keep others safe, too.”
Learn About the Next Meeting of the Master Gardeners October 23rd on This Second Cup Of Coffee
October 21, 2025 – Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson visited on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to chat about the upcoming meeting of the Master Gardeners October 23, 2025. Ronnie and John Mark discussed what one could expect from a meeting of the Master Gardeners, the lack of rain we have been experiencing, a visit the Hopkins County Master Gardeners had with a local home owner, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative segment of A Second Cup of Coffee and see what is going to occur at the next meeting of the Hopkins County Master Gardeners October 23rd, 2025, at 10:00am, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas!
Hopkins County Genealogical Society 2025 City Cemetery Walk to be Held November 2nd
October 21, 2025 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society presents, “If Headstones Could Talk” 2025 City Cemetery Walk. A walk among the headstones of pioneer Hopkins County citizens residing at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery. Hopkins County Genealogical Society members will bring these pioneer Hopkins County citizens back to life through stories, costumes, and props. The guided tour will be held at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery November 2nd, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Cost is a $10 donation. Reserve your spot by calling 903-885-8523, or by stopping by 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Hopkins County EMS Now Carries Whole Blood in the Field
October 21, 2025 – Program made possible through partnership with the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Hopkins County EMS has taken a major step forward in prehospital emergency care with the introduction of whole blood transfusion capability in the field. This advancement was made possible through the generous support of the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation which positions the service among a select group of EMS agencies in Texas able to provide this lifesaving treatment before patients reach the hospital.
Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, which are all vital components that work together to carry oxygen, restore blood volume, and promote clotting. For patients suffering from severe trauma or hemorrhage, early transfusion can dramatically improve survival rates and reduce complications.
“The ability to carry and administer whole blood is a tremendous advancement for both our service and our community,” said Brent Smith, Hopkins County EMS Director. “When a patient is bleeding severely, every minute counts. Having whole blood available in the field allows us to deliver critical care faster and save more lives.”
By equipping the EMS service with whole blood, Hopkins County EMS can begin transfusions immediately for patients experiencing life-threatening blood loss, whether from motor vehicle collisions, farm or industrial accidents, or other major trauma and medical emergencies. This capability is especially significant for rural areas, where transport times to definitive care can be longer.
“This initiative represents the kind of forward-thinking healthcare the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation strives to support,” said Kayla Price, Executive Director of the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Hopkins County EMS to bring this lifesaving resource to our residents.”
The Foundation’s funding made it possible to acquire the specialized equipment, training, and supply chain logistics required to store and administer whole blood safely in the field.
About Hopkins County EMS
Hopkins County EMS provides emergency medical services to the citizens of Hopkins, Delta, Franklin and Rains County with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion. Its team of paramedics and emergency medical technicians are highly trained to deliver advanced prehospital care and continually seek new ways to improve patient outcomes.
About the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
The Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation is dedicated to improving healthcare services and resources in Hopkins County. Through community donations and partnerships, the Foundation supports local medical facilities, technology, and programs that enhance the quality of care for all residents.
