FORT WORTH, Texas (RFD-TV)— Cattle producers along the border are tightening safety protocols following the latest detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico, just 70 miles from the Texas border. The discovery raises fresh concerns about the threat to U.S. herds and the ongoing challenge of controlling the parasite.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share what it’s been like working through an outbreak so close to home and what it could take to protect and rebuild the U.S. herd.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Cockrell explained the renewed risk this latest case poses for Texas producers, the current use of sterile fly releases in Mexico, and the expected role of a sterile fly facility in Texas. He also noted that industry leaders are calling for stronger protocols in light of the recent detection.
Cockrell discussed the continued delay in cattle movement across the border and its impact on producers, as well as his association’s support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) effort to hold Mexico accountable for its failures in screwworm management. He also shares key steps and resources producers can consult to safeguard their herds.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
October 21, 2025 11:57 AM
·
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
October 21, 2025 11:22 AM
·
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
October 21, 2025 11:06 AM
·
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
October 20, 2025 01:32 PM
·
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
October 20, 2025 12:46 PM
·
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
October 17, 2025 04:54 PM
·
NEFB President Mark McHargue provides an update from the Husker State, where farmers are working hard to bring in one of the largest harvests in recent years.
October 17, 2025 04:06 PM
·
Todd Miller, CEO of Head Honchos, shares about his business offering to ease agricultural labor shortages.
October 17, 2025 04:02 PM
·
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
October 17, 2025 01:08 PM
·
