LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The long-term closure of the U.S.-Mexico border due to the ongoing threat of New World Screwworm is adding pressure to an already tight U.S. cattle supply, creating ripple effects across feedyards, rural communities, and the broader beef supply chain. One of the latest signs of that strain is the announced closure of Lubbock Feeders, which is shutting its doors after more than 70 years in operation due to limited cattle availability and rising costs.
Laphe LaRoe, with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the significance of the closure and what it signals for the future of the Texas cattle industry.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, LaRoe said the announcement, while difficult, was not entirely unexpected given the prolonged border closure and shrinking cattle numbers. He explained that feedyards depend on consistent throughput, and when supplies tighten and margins thin, even long-established operations can be pushed to the breaking point.
He also emphasized the broader economic impact feedyards have on rural America, comparing them to manufacturing plants that anchor entire local economies. From trucking and feed suppliers to veterinarians and local businesses, LaRoe noted that the loss of a feedyard can be devastating for surrounding communities.
Beyond border restrictions, LaRoe pointed to additional challenges facing cattle feeders, including historically tight herd numbers, rising input costs, and uncertainty tied to animal health concerns such as New World screwworm. He also raised concerns about Mexico’s investment in expanded packing infrastructure, warning that some cattle flows and business relationships may not return to the U.S. once lost.
Looking ahead, LaRoe cautioned that infrastructure losses are difficult to rebuild and said the industry could see more closures if conditions do not improve. He added that prevention and monitoring efforts related to screwworm remain a critical focus for producers and regulators across the region.
