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.
Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
September 24, 2025 03:40 PM
·
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
September 24, 2025 12:29 PM
·
“We believe that it is just a matter of days or weeks... before we see New World screwworm in Texas.”
September 23, 2025 11:08 AM
September 23, 2025 09:42 AM
·
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
September 22, 2025 09:51 AM
·
“Continue to help us push the New World screwworm back to the Darién Gap and hopefully towards eradication.”
September 16, 2025 10:49 AM
September 12, 2025 12:19 PM
·
“I don’t think we’re going to see cattle coming across the border at all because of that increase in their cases in Mexico.”
“We as NCBA, we’re not shocked to see that there is a human case.”
