LUBBOCK, TX – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports USDA’s planned reopening of the Douglas, Arizona, port to Mexican cattle on August 24, saying the move could provide relief to U.S. producers whose businesses depend on those feeder cattle. CEO Colin Woodall said producers across the Southwest were hit hard by the border closure.
Woodall said NCBA supported closing the border when stronger action was needed against New World screwworm. He said Mexico subsequently increased its response, changing the risk calculation for reopening trade.
The new approach begins with one port and uses a multi-stage inspection protocol. Woodall said starting at Douglas allows officials to pressure-test the system before considering additional crossings farther east.
For U.S. ranchers and feeders in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, restored access could help rebuild cattle flows disrupted by the closure. Woodall emphasized the issue affects U.S. businesses, not only Mexican producers.
He said inspected livestock currently concern him less than potential screwworm movement through wildlife, while supporting continued surveillance as cattle begin crossing under the new protocol.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reopening Mexican cattle trade could restore feeder supplies for Southwestern operations while maintaining stepped-up screwworm safeguards.