USDA launches a phased reopening of southern ports for livestock trade

The cattle markets will be closely watching the USDA’s new plan to reopen the southern border for livestock trade. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says both sides of the border have made a lot of progress in recent weeks in combatting New World Screwworm.

The Department has launched a phased reopening as soon as Monday, starting in Douglas, Arizona because of its lowest risk. If things go to plan, Sec. Rollins says more ports will open in New Mexico and then Texas. Those additional reopenings will depend on the number of cases and the potential for the pest to travel North.

NCBA is showing its appreciation. CEO Colin Woodall calls the plan “measured” and “thoughtful.” NCBA was on board with the decision to close the border back in May, saying it was needed to allow the Department to assess the problem. Woodall says he has full trust in Secretary Rollins, saying she will hold Mexico accountable for its role in eradicating New World Screwworm.

Related Stories
Ranchers have a lot going on at the moment, but some ‘friendly’ news could be coming with this month’s Cattle-on-Feed Report from the USDA.
F-10 Wound Spray can now be used for livestock and other animals as officials monitor the ongoing New World Screwworm outbreak in Mexico.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
Partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ensures Engineering Excellence and Operational Effectiveness
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
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.