U.S.-Mexico Border Closure Hits Feed Lots Hard

Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.

VEGA, TEXAS (RFD-TV) — Texas and New Mexico feed yards are facing slim inventories as the U.S.-Mexico border remains closed to cattle. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins traveled to Mexico City earlier this week for a meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and ag leaders. While the meeting reportedly went very well, no timeline has been set to resume imports.

Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the closure has affected feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle to fill their lots.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Kirkland shared producer sentiment following the meeting between U.S. and Mexican officials, as many await news on when trade may resume — and how the most recent case of New World Screwworm, detected roughly 170 miles south of the U.S. border, could continue to stall those reopening efforts.

Kirkland also addressed the current state of the cattle industry amid the closure, noting historically tight cattle supplies and domestic calf numbers that continue to fall short of feedlot capacity.

Related Stories
The massive Morill wildfire left Nebraska ranchers facing major losses, as relief funds and federal aid step in to support recovery efforts.
Processing slowdowns and invasive species add pressure during peak harvest
Campustown Showdown Founder Christian Calliham shared a sneak peek, explaining how the upcoming Iowa stock show evolved from its sister event, the Aggieville Showdown in Kansas.
U.S. pork production is rising slightly, driven by steady domestic demand, prices, and expanding global meat export markets beyond China.
Strong exports and prices are helping offset rising milk supplies.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined us to discuss fertilizer markets, domestic supply efforts, trade priorities, and ongoing policy work aimed at stabilizing costs for U.S. farmers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Led by Sen. Rand Paul, lawmakers aim to prevent a November federal hemp ban, advocating for state control as farmers face planting uncertainties.
A prolonged Iran ceasefire offers limited relief as fertilizer concerns persist, prompting U.S. policy shifts and driving farmers to reconsider crop acreage.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, fertilizer transparency efforts, and the role of trade in supporting farmer profitability.
Louisiana State University Professor Shelly Pate Kerns says a late freeze forced widespread replanting of some crops across the state.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the DOJ investigation into U.S. beef packers, concerns about cattle pricing, and ongoing trade and animal health issues affecting producers.
Strong demand for U.S. beef in Mexico is boosting exports, with buyers seeking both variety meats and high-quality cuts like Prime and Choice ribeye.
Agriculture Shows
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!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.