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.
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
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HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
February 06, 2026 11:48 AM
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
February 02, 2026 12:22 PM
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Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
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Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
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Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
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Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
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Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
January 16, 2026 01:28 PM
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January 16, 2026 09:57 AM
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