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NCBA weighs risks, benefits as U.S. prepares to resume Mexican cattle imports

The CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says he’s optimistic the USDA will follow through in its decision to reopen the U.S. border to cattle imports from Mexico later this month.

Colin Woodall says it’s no longer about keeping New World screwworm out of the country.

“I think that takes some of the pressure off of everybody, but especially Secretary Rollins in being able to look at the importance of trade.”

What does a successful border reopening look like? Woodall tells Brownfield “Quite frankly, it’s whether or not any NWS pops up in California or Arizona, for example. This is a pretty easy litmus test. These cattle come in clean or they cause problems.”

He says there are members of the NCBA who want the border to reopen, because its closure has significantly impacted feedlots and cattle feeders.  However, others are concerned the reopening could lead to additional detections. 

Woodall says there are protocols in place to help prevent additional spread of New World screwworm, and both countries will need to follow those guidelines. He says the process is a similar protocol that was in place between January and May 2025.

“There are inspection facilities within Mexico where cattle that are destined for export go to be inspected. They will have prophylactic treatments. If they don’t show any signs of screwworm, they will be treated with ivermectin or other products.”

Woodall says if the cattle show no signs of NWS after three to seven days, the cattle go to the U.S. border where they’re inspected again before entering a dipping vat and allowed into the United States. 

August 24 is the target date to resume imports of live cattle at the Douglas, Arizona port. But the USDA says the reopening timeline may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting action plan milestones and addressing critical issues.