Secretary Rollins Leads Largest USDA Trade Mission to Mexico to Review Screwworm Outlook

usda logo.png

United States Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C. (USDA, November 13, 2025)– Last week in Mexico City, Mexico, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins led the largest U.S. Department of Agriculture agribusiness trade mission in the history of our country. During the mission to Mexico, 41 U.S. businesses, 33 cooperators and agriculture advocacy groups, six state departments of agriculture, and 150 participants conducted more than 500 business-to-business meetings over three days. This was a critical opportunity for American businesses to further trade ties and for the USDA to continue its aggressive response to New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico and continue to hold Mexico accountable for its commitments to the 1944 Water Treaty.

“The trading and diplomatic relationship between our two countries is of the utmost importance to President Trump and American farmers and ranchers. Whether it is securing the Southern Border from illegal migration, combating New World Screwworm, or expanding market access for American agricultural products, we are working every day to put American interests first. I thank President Claudia Sheinbaum for welcoming me to the Presidential Palace where we had a productive and positive conversation about how we will continue to work closely together to eradicate the NWS which is negatively impacting both our economies, including conducting a comprehensive joint review of our NWS response and efforts to ensure enforcement of our joint responsibilities in the 1944 water treaty,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This week was an incredible opportunity to connect buyers and sellers with over 500 meetings over three days, pushing for American exports into Mexico’s ethanol market, and discuss the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.”

In addition to participating in this trade mission, Secretary Rollins met with the team at Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) Headquarters NWS Control Room to showcase bilateral efforts to combat the spread of NWS in Mexico. Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins accompanied Secretary Rollins on the trip and visited the State of Chiapas to review NWS containment practices and enforcement.

Secretary Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg visited a Walmart Super Center in Mexico City and Bimbo Bakery, both major importers of U.S. products for use in their operations. Grupo Bimbo imported nearly $400 million in U.S. ingredients in 2024, including wheat, dairy, eggs, potatoes, and nuts.

The American delegation was joined by Chanel Tewalt, Director of Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Sherry Vinton, Director of Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Derek Sandison, Director of Washington State Department of Agriculture, and officials from the California, Tennessee, and Wisconsin state departments of agriculture.

Mexico was the top market for U.S. agricultural exports in 2024, with shipments valued at $30.2 billion. Consumer-oriented products, including meat and meat products, dairy, processed food, fruits, and beverages, constituted nearly 50 percent of that trade, with a value of $14.6 billion. Bulk commodity exports to Mexico accounted for one-third of all agricultural shipments, valued at $10.0 billion, led by corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, and pulses.

###

Press release provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Related Stories
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Texas livestock producers face a heightened biosecurity threat as New World screwworm detections in northern Mexico coincide with FDA approval of the first topical treatment.
Cargill’s commitment to keep plants open helps preserve competition as Tyson removes capacity amid historically tight cattle supplies.
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Lower U.S. and Mexican production means tighter sugar supplies and greater reliance on imports headed into 2026.
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
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.

Agriculture Shows
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.
Watch Rural Evening News to catch up on that day’s news surrounding agriculture and markets from across the world. Along with market news, our news staff will bring you news stories covering topics including auctions, cattle, farm equipment, ranch, real estate, and much more!
Every day, “Market Day Report” delivers “live” coverage of agri-business news, weather, and commodity market information from across the world. Our market coverage is constantly updated every half-hour, bringing you the latest on the markets.
Farm Monitor shines a light on Southeastern agriculture and is the only weekly news and information program dedicated to Georgia’s largest and most important industry: agriculture.