It’s unclear when the border will reopen to cattle trade due to New World Screwworm

The southern border in Mexico and Arizona remains closed while officials work to stop New World Screwworm, but the cattle industry is eager to get it back open.

Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller says there is no clear timeframe for cattle trade to resume.

“You know, I get that question a lot, and they don’t have anything definite. I can tell you, when we successfully stop the advance of the screwworm fly, for, say, 60 days, and we see it pushing back down, we probably open it up. Now, then, there is a possibility that we could open it up in November, December, or January, in the dead of winter. That’s actually when we get most of our feeder cattle in from Mexico.”

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will be in Austin, Texas this morning at 11:30 Central to make a big announcement regarding New World Screwworm.

Related Stories
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
While agriculture doesn’t predict every recession, the sector’s long history of turning down before the broader economy
USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.
The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.
The facility will increase the range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm.
FD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 1/21/26 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
FarmHER Nikki Boxler, aka The Maple Farmer, blends tradition with innovation, tapping into a bold new future for maple syrup.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.