By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Farmers and ranchers along the Texas-Mexico border are calling for more support and public awareness of a new state program aimed at helping landowners recover from damages caused by the ongoing border crisis.

During a legislative hearing last week, rancher and Texas Farm Bureau District 6 State Director Warren Cude of Fort Stockton testified before the Texas Senate Committee on Border Security to discuss the implementation of SB 1133.

The bill appropriated $18 million in state money for the Landowner Compensation Program for this year and next year.

“The crisis at the Texas-Mexico border is a real issue that is still impacting my family and everyone farming, ranching and living, not only along the border, but other areas both near and far from the border,” Cude told committee members.

He described the persistent damage caused by trafficking, smuggling and bailouts, which have escalated in recent years.

“To get away, criminals will often trespass onto ranches and farms, causing damage to fencing and fields. Damages are also caused by trespassers on foot,” Cude said. “Gates are often left open, allowing livestock to roam onto neighboring land.”

This creates a significant financial burden on property owners who are forced to cover the cost of repairs, as well as the risk of liability from accidents involving loose livestock.

“Farmers and ranchers must work quickly to make repairs or risk liability for accidents caused by our livestock,” he said. “Farmers and ranchers must pay for the damages that are caused by this criminal activity, and the costs associated with the repairs can add up quickly.”

SB 1133, passed during the 88th Texas Legislature, established the Landowner Compensation Program to help property owners recoup costs from damages caused by criminal activity along the border. Cude, however, highlighted that participation in the program has been low since its launch a few months ago, due largely to a lack of public awareness.

“More needs to be done to promote this program,” Cude said, noting that one major hurdle for applicants has been the difficulty of obtaining a police report for non-emergency damage.

TFB continues to share information about the program with its members, and Cude urged lawmakers to find ways to increase participation in the program.

“We hope that the legislature will continue to recognize the need for the Landowner Compensation Program and find ways to increase the number of applicants,” he said.

Cude concluded his testimony by emphasizing the significant financial strain caused by the border crisis and the importance of the Landowner Compensation Program.

“The current situation on our nation’s border has resulted in a serious financial burden for hardworking farm and ranch families,” Cude said. “The Landowner Compensation Program brings much-needed relief and helps to address this ongoing issue.”

TFB hopes continued legislative attention will improve awareness and access to the program, easing the burden on the state’s agricultural community.

More information
Details and forms for the reporting process—including frequently asked questions, fair market price breakdown and a direct deposit form to download—are available online at texasattorneygeneral.gov.

For more information or questions about the program, landowners can contact landowner.compensation@oag.texas.gov.