LUBBOCK, TX – Another livestock crossing with Mexico is reopening today as USDA continues its phased restoration of cattle trade under tighter New World screwworm safeguards. At the same time, higher interest rates are adding another cost challenge for producers financing operating expenses, machinery, livestock, and land.
Listen to today’s Ag News Update:
Ag News Update – Thursday 09/17/2026
USDA is reopening the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, cattle crossing today, making it the second port restored under new New World screwworm safeguards after Douglas, Arizona. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate a quarter point to a 3.75% to 4.00% range, increasing pressure on operating loans, machinery financing, land purchases, and refinancing. Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley are challenging the Senate Farm Bill amendment process after additional livestock proposals were blocked during Wednesday’s committee vote. Soybean transportation costs are rising on U.S. export routes to China, while Paraguay is shipping more lean beef into the United States. Artificial intelligence is moving deeper into farm machinery, including spraying, maintenance, and autonomous decisions. Timber markets remain uneven despite firmer finished-lumber prices.
Today’s Ag News Highlights
Santa Teresa becomes the second reopened livestock crossing with Mexico.
Higher Federal Reserve rates increase pressure on farm borrowing.
Farm Bill livestock amendments could return during Senate floor debate.
Rising freight costs challenge U.S. soybean export competitiveness.
AI expands into real-time farm equipment decisions.