Texas Agriculture Commission

Dairy farmers and veterinarians in northern Texas furiously investigated a mysterious illness among cattle before the government got involved. Farm cat deaths were the tip off.

The protections are particularly important as urban sprawl continues in Texas.

Under a new dress code issued by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, department employees are expected to comply "in a manner consistent with their biological gender."

The department’s helpline is less than a year old. But advocates hope state lawmakers fully fund it as farmers and ranchers continue to face hard economic times and isolation.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Faces Legal and Ethical Questions in Reelection Bid.