AFBF Urges Continued Science-Based Response to New World Screwworm

As New World screwworm continues to pose a threat to the U.S. cattle herd and farm economy, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging a continued science-based approach to addressing the threat. The letter urges USDA to keep the southern U.S. border closed to cattle imports until it’s clear Mexico is capable of controlling the pest.

The letter states, “Under your leadership, USDA is delivering on its promise to fight the New World screwworm by completing the sterile fly distribution facility in South Texas, leveraging USDA’s ability to connect entrepreneurs...

Niman Ranch Launches Domestic Regenerative Organic Beef Program

Niman Ranch, the pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, today announced the launch of its Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches and brought to market at meaningful scale. The program debuts with a network of ranchers covering 105,000 U.S. acres and a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.

Re-Shoring the Gold Standard

With the U.S. cattle herd at a 75-year low, the domestic supply chain is under unprecedented pressure—just as demand for organic, grass-fed beef reaches an all-time...

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Elects New Officers at 2026 Winter Meetings

Cattle producers Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of Oklahoma, Terry Quam of Wisconsin and Kalena Bruce of Missouri are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). Elected by their fellow CBB members at the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, this new officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2026.

DeVuyst, the 2025 vice chair, is now the CBB’s chair, while Quam will transition from his role as the 2025 secretary-treasurer to become the 2026 vice chair. Bruce is the newest member of...

Meat & Livestock Australia: Highest Female Slaughter in Almost 50 Years

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released processing data for the final quarter for 2025, confirming a large year for Australia’s cattle sector. Across the last calendar year, national cattle slaughter reached 9.28 million head and beef production totalled 2.8 million tonnes.

Of the 9.28 million cattle processed in 2025, 4.93 million were females and 4.35 million were males, placing the national female slaughter rate (FSR) at 53% for the year. While the female share has been elevated since 2024, there is no sign of a heavy destock...

Gov. Evers Sends Letter, Urging the President to Back Off Plans to Import Beef from Argentina

Gov. Tony Evers sent a letter urging President Donald Trump and the Trump Administration to back off its latest plans to import beef from Argentina and instead support and protect the livelihoods of American farmers, ranchers, and producers. This is the second letter Gov. Evers has sent, having previously sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins after the president first telegraphed his plan to import beef from Argentina last fall.

At the time, the president's plan drew strong opposition from several groups, including...

USDA Line Speeds Program Another Step Closer to Widespread Adoption

The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule to update the New Swine Inspection System’s line speed regulations to increase efficiency at pork processing plants. 

The proposal aims to remove maximum line speed limits for establishments operating under NSIS. Participating establishments will be allowed to set their own line speeds based on their demonstrated ability to maintain process controls and food safety, rather than adhering to a strict maximum speed limit...

ABS Data Confirms Record Beef Production and Strong Livestock Supply in 2025

Australia’s red meat industry has delivered another year of strong performance, with new ABS data confirming exceptional beef production, historically high cattle slaughter and resilient lamb and mutton supply despite varied seasonal conditions.
 
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) says the data reflects both the strength and adaptability of Australian red meat producers, as well as the continued shift toward higher throughput and heavier carcase weights across key species.
 
Cattle: Record production and the highest slaughter in almost five decades

Farm Bill 2.0 Provides Additional Certainty to American Cattle Producers

House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson released the text of Farm Bill 2.0 (the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026). The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomes the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).

“We appreciate Chairman Thompson’s leadership and diligent work to provide legislative answers to the ongoing needs of cattle producers,” said NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver. “Chairman Thompson’s bill includes important provisions to streamline voluntary...

US Response Ramps Up as New World Screwworm Nears Texas Border

Texas and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are stepping up efforts to keep New World screwworm (NWS) out of the country after the flesh-eating parasite was recently detected in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas and at a Florida quarantine facility.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration marshaling all available government resources to strengthen the state's NWS response.

"Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., it's northward spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas' livestock industry and wildlife," Abbott said in a January 29 press...

Australia: Record Cattle on Feed Numbers Drive Huge 2025 Turn-Off 

Australia’s feedlot sector maintained strong momentum through the December quarter, setting a new record for cattle on feed and continuing to test the upper limits of national capacity. This sustained expansion underpinned record grainfed export performance in 2025cal demonstrating the importance of feedlots in the production system. 

National feedlot capacity increased by 1% on last quarter to a record 1.76 million head, supporting continued high throughput. The slightly lower September-quarter cattle-on-feed figure flowed through to December turn-off, which totalled 947,200 head, down 2% from the all-time high recorded in the September quarter...

ANALYSIS: US 90% Lean Heavy Cows Continue to Encounter YOY Gains

The latest USDA Live Cow Quotations report indicates that 90% lean cows weighing over 500 pounds are priced at $300.64 per hundredweight (cwt), reflecting a year-over-year increase of $42.75/cwt, or 16.6%. The year-to-date (YTD) average currently sits at $294.45/cwt. Just two years ago, the YTD average was $192.63/cwt, which highlights a 53% increase over that timeframe...

Congressman Don Davis Co-Leads SAFE CATTLE Act to Protect Agriculture and Rural Communities

U.S. Representatives Don Davis (NC-01), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), and Darren Soto (FL-10) introduced H.R. 7466, the Safeguarding America’s Food Economy and Controlling Agricultural Threats to Livestock and Enterprises Act, or SAFE CATTLE Act. This bill will establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to coordinate activities to prevent, control, and eradicate New World screwworm in wildlife species on federal lands.

"Our producers and ranchers need proactive monitoring and interagency coordination to stop the screwworm before it threatens...

USDA Issues Livestock Relief Program Payments for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion. Eligible applicants who applied for ELRP 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) assistance will receive 100% of their eligible calculated payment in a single lump sum. USDA is also making a second payment to producers who previously received their initial factored payment for ELRP 2023 and 2024...

Weekly Address: More Imports on the Way

One of the most common questions from journalists and reporters today is: Why are beef prices so high? President Trump provided his answer to this question in his Feb. 6, 2026, proclamation titled, “Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer.” The proclamation increases the in-quota quantity of lean beef trimmings that can be imported from Argentina by an additional 80,000 metric tons during the 2026 calendar year, which is in addition to the 20,000 metric ton annual in-quota quantity limit already applicable to Argentina.

The reasons cited by the president for his decision to increase Argentinian beef imports include the widespread drought that occurred in 2022, wildfires that have disrupted...

NCBA Praises US–Taiwan Trade Deal Expanding Duty Free Access for American Beef

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will gain duty-free access to Taiwan under a new trade agreement. The agreement removes both tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.

“Strong, science-based trade agreements are essential to adding value for U.S. cattle producers, and Taiwan has emerged as one of the strongest international markets for U.S. beef. Duty-free access improves competitiveness and provides long-term certainty...

Rep. Jackson Introduces Bill to Protect US Livestock Industry from New World Screwworm

Yesterday, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the Safeguarding America’s Food Economy and Controlling Agricultural Threats to Livestock and Enterprises Act or the SAFE CATTLE Act. This bill will establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to carry out, and coordinate on, activities to prevent, control, and eradicate New World screwworm in wildlife species on federal lands. Representatives Don Davis (D-NC), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Darren Soto (D-FL) are co-leading this bill in the House...

USDA Announces Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework to End Agricultural Lawfare

Today, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework (PDF, 11.4 MB), a bold initiative to protect America’s agricultural heritage and defend farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers from politically motivated lawfare. Secretary Rollins was joined by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, country music artist and songwriter John Rich, Representative James Comer, and several farming families who have been targets of agricultural lawfare.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is high time to recall a simple but profound truth about our nation: the United...

Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines + Audit, Version 2026

The Meat Institute is proud to announce that it has published updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines.

The primary changes to the updated Audit and Guidelines include:

• Points for each criterion allowing users to set goals for each element of the Audit for continuous improvement.
• Transportation and slaughter audit for bison.
• Vocalization of cattle in the slaughter Audit will now be scored similarly to swine vocalization to maintain consistency across species.

Optimal handling of domestic livestock and bison is essential for meat packers — not only for ethical reasons, but also for ensuring workplace safety. Once animals...

Iowa Pork Producers Providing Hunger Relief Statewide

Iowa pork producers are stepping up once again in 2026 to fight food insecurity with the return of Pork in the Pantry, a statewide effort that delivers nutritious, high-quality protein to Iowans in need.

Last year, 50 county pork producer organizations participated in Pork in the Pantry, donating more than 75,000 servings of pork to local food pantries across Iowa. The program continues to grow each year, expanding its reach and impact on communities statewide.

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry provides up to $1,000...

USDA Announces Completion of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

Today [February 9, 2026] at Moore Air Base, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott celebrated a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.

"The Trump Administration continues to bring the full force of the federal government to fight New World Screwworm,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This sterile fly dispersal facility was a high priority project, and our team delivered it in record time...

R-CALF USA: Statement on Presidential Proclamation Increasing Imports of Argentinian Beef

Today, President Trump issued a proclamation entitled “Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer.” The proclamation increases the in-quota quantity of lean beef trimmings that can be imported from Argentina by an additional 80,000 metric tons during the 2026 calendar year, which is in addition to the 20,000-metric-ton annual in-quota quantity limit already applicable to Argentina.

The purpose of the proclamation is to increase the supply of imported lean beef trimmings from Argentina so American consumers would experience a decrease in the price of ground beef...

Virginia Cattleman Takes Helm as NCBA President

Since 1850, Gene Copenhaver’s family has been rooted in the land raising crops and livestock. The Virginia cattleman now takes the helm as the new president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Copenhaver’s new leadership role began at the end of CattleCon 2026, held this week in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 2026 NCBA officer team was approved by the NCBA Board of Directors and includes Kim Brackett of Idaho, president-elect, and Skye Krebs of Oregon, vice president. Kenny Rogers of Colorado was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Scott Anderson of Oklahoma was elected policy vice chair. Travis Maddock of North Dakota and Dan Hanrahan of Iowa, were...

CattleFax Outlook Signals Cattle Cycle Turning as Strong Demand Meets Tight Supplies in 2026

The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, shared expert market and weather analysis today.

“The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs. Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market; however, producer demographics, high input costs, and policy uncertainty point to a...

MLA - Beef Producers Geared for Growth

The latest Beef Producers' Intentions Survey (BPIS), conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in November 2025, collected responses from almost 3,000 grassfed beef producers nationwide and suggests a confident and expansion-minded industry heading into 2026.

The survey showed 50% of Australian beef producers intend to expand their operations in 2026. When extrapolated across the national herd, these intentions imply an overall herd increase of approximately 3%.

Producer sentiment has reached an all-time high, rising to 76 points - up sharply from 47 points in 2024 and just 11 points in 2023. This uplift closely mirrors the improvement in cattle prices...

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for OTC Injectable Drug to Prevent New World Screwworm in Cattle

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Ivomec (ivermectin) injectable solution against New World screwworm (NWS). The agency has concluded that based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Ivomec may be effective for the prevention of infestations caused by NWS larvae (myiasis) in cattle when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or when a wound appears, and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its...

Producer Confidence Surges as Cattle Sector Heads Into 2026: MLA Beef Producers Intentions Survey

Key points

• Producer confidence reaches its highest level since the survey’s redesign, with 79% feeling positive about the next 12 months
• Improved seasonal conditions, stable pricing and strong global demand underpin sentiment
• Confidence driving long term decision making, with many producers planning herd rebuilding and operational expansion

Producer confidence across Australia’s grassfed beef sector has surged to its strongest level in recent years, according to the latest Beef Producers Intentions Survey (BPIS) from Meat & Livestock Australia.

Almost 80% of producers report a positive outlook for the year ahead, marking a significant...

NCBA Releases 2026 Policy Priorities at CattleCon

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today announced its 2026 policy priorities following approval by the organization’s Executive Committee at CattleCon 2026. NCBA’s focus centers on policies that directly impact producer profitability, including reducing regulatory costs, defending free markets, expanding trade opportunities, and maintaining strong beef demand.

“NCBA focused on practical, workable solutions that produced meaningful policy wins in 2025,” said NCBA President-Elect Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. “NCBA’s efforts resulted in key tax and regulatory improvements, including expanded estate tax exemptions, a new Waters of the U.S. rules, and the...

USDA Trade Mission Expands Opportunities for US Agricultural Exports to Indonesia

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Jakarta, Indonesia next week to expand market access, boost American agricultural exports, and take advantage of the new opportunities created by the U.S.-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. 

Led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg, the mission is scheduled for Feb. 2 through 6, 2026, and includes 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations and representatives from three state departments of agriculture.

“This mission is a chance for us to turn the opportunities of the landmark Indonesia trade deal into real sales for American farmers...

USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts to Defend US Border

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS...

Bachoco Completes Acquisition of Mexico’s RYC Alimentos 

Mexico’s Industrias Bachoco has completed the acquisition of privately held meat processor RYC Alimentos, expanding its footprint in value-added protein products, said the company. 

The deal gives Bachoco ownership of two processing plants in Puebla and around 21 retail outlets across Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Tlaxcala. Financial terms were not disclosed. 

Founded in 1983, RYC produces and sells beef, pork and chicken products and generates annual net sales of approximately $150 million. The company employs more than 900 people. Bachoco said the transaction was completed...

Meat & Poultry Processors Contribute $57.3 Billion to US Economy & Provide 584,000 Jobs

The Meat Institute today released an economic study that found the meat and poultry processing industry contributes $57.3 billion to the US economy and provides 584,000 jobs. The entire meat and poultry industry, including livestock production, animal feed, equipment manufacturing, transportation and more contributes $347.7 billion in value to the nation, supporting 3.2 million jobs.

“The meat and poultry industry is a critical and growing part of the US economy, and one that has outsized importance to rural economies,” said Meat...

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Dairy Herd in Wisconsin

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) assay a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in a dairy cattle herd in Wisconsin. APHIS will complete genetic sequencing and announce final results as soon as they are available. This confirmation was a result of routine National Milk Testing Strategy testing, not pre-movement surveillance.

This marks the first known case of HPAI... 

Farmers, Producers, and Ag Leaders Praise President Trump’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today highlighted the outpouring of support from governors, commodity groups, farm bureaus, and agriculture industry leaders across the country following President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments. As producers battle historic market disruptions, rising input costs, and the lingering effects of foreign trade manipulation, agriculture leaders are praising the administration’s swift action to deliver relief and strengthen the farm safety net. Below is a compilation of what they are saying about this critical support for...