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.
Peel says Mexico has a much greater capability to expand its beef industry than it did 20 or 30 years ago in terms of its feeding and packing infrastructure.
October 16, 2025 03:59 PM
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“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
October 14, 2025 01:19 PM
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“Good flies? Is that like a good fire ant?” Miller said. “I don’t know what a good fly is. I don’t know if they’re afraid to kill house flies or stable flies, but I’m ready to kill the screwworm fly.”
October 13, 2025 01:28 PM
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Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.
October 09, 2025 01:10 PM
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Mexico’s tougher, two-step treatment and added checkpoints are catching cases before they can spread—good news for producers near the border.
October 07, 2025 10:55 AM
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October 01, 2025 10:02 AM
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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
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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
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“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
