Tuesday June 09 Ag News - Weekly Crop Progress & Condition - UNL Regenerative Ag Learning Hub Launches - CFRA Agrisolar Project Fact Sheet - Farm Progress Announces Agronomy Zone, Drone Zone for 2026 - More Screwworm Cases in TX, NM - and more!

Nebraska Crop Progress & Condition Statistics - June 07

                               Very Short     Short    Adequate     Surplus
Topsoil Moisture .......:    28          28            38              6     
Subsoil Moisture .......:    33          33            32              2     

                              .....  Last year   Last week   This week   5YrAve
Corn Planted ...............:       99            97            100               99     
Corn Emerged ............:       94            79             91                92  
Soybeans planted .......:       96            95             96                96     
Soybeans emerged .....:        86            72             84               83    
Sorghum planted ........:       45           46              69                67    
Winter Wheat headed .:       87            84             93                81    
Winter Wheat Harvested:    00           00             00                 00

                                              VP       Poor       Fair        Good       Excellent    
Corn Condition Rating ...:     01          04         37           45             13
Soybean Condition Rating    01          05          31          52             11
Winter Wheat Condition .:    52          30          14          04               -     
Pasture Conditions ..........:    50          30          15           5                -    



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 7, 2026, which is 0.2 days more than last year, when there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 19 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Corn planting in Iowa reached 98 percent complete, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. Corn emerged reached 92 percent, 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Corn condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. 

Soybean planting reached 97 percent complete, which is unchanged from last year. Soybeans emerged reached 86 percent, which is 1 percentage point behind last year. Soybean condition rated 80 percent good to excellent. 

Oats emerged reached 99 percent, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Oats condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 74 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Soybean crop conditions declined slightly last week, while corn conditions remained steady, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 97% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average of 96%. 
-- Crop development: 86% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, steady with last year's pace and the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, steady with the previous week and 4 points below last year's 71%. Six percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, 1 point above the previous week and previous year of 5%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 92% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 3 points ahead of last year at this time and 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 88%. 
-- Crop development: 79% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 6 points ahead of last year's pace and 8 points ahead of the five-year average of 71%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 65% of soybeans that had emerged were in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 66% the previous week and 3 points below 68% last year. Six percent of soybeans were very poor to poor compared to 5% the previous year.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 92% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 5 points ahead of last year's 87% and 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 85%. 
-- Harvest progress: Harvest moved ahead 6 percentage point last week to reach 11% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 7 points ahead of last year's 4% and 5 points ahead of the five-year average pace of 6%. 
-- Crop condition: An estimated 25% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of June 7, down 1 point from 26% the previous week and 29 points below 54% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 98% of the crop was planted nationwide as of June 7, steady with last year's pace and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 95%.
-- Crop development: 87% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 6 percentage points ahead of last year's pace of 81% and 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 80%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 52% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 5 points from 47% the previous week. 



Regenerative Agriculture Learning Hub Launches June 15 for Nebraska Farmers, Agronomists

Nebraska Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are launching the second cohort of the Regenerative Agriculture Learning Hub, a no‑cost, two‑month virtual program beginning Wednesday, June 15, 2026, designed for farmers, crop advisors, conservation staff, and other agricultural professionals across Nebraska. Led by principal investigator Carolina Córdova, the Hub focuses on practical, research‑based strategies that improve soil health, strengthen farm resilience, and support profitable, adaptive production systems.

Participants will explore key components of regenerative agriculture, including efficient resource use, soil and water conservation, climate‑resilient farming systems, cover crops and diversified rotations, crop–livestock integration, nutrient and manure management, and water quality. The program combines short, on‑demand presentations from Nebraska Extension specialists and USDA NRCS partners with interactive webinar panels and peer discussion to emphasize real‑world application and systems‑based decision‑making.

Featured topics and speakers include: 
    Efficient use of resources with regenerative practices — Joe Luck
    Soil and water conservation strategies — Aaron Mittelstet
    Building weather‑resilient farming systems — Eric Hunt
    NRCS programs and incentives in Nebraska — Conor Ward and Carlos Villarreal
    Cover crops and cropping system diversification — Jenny Brhel
    Crop–livestock integration — Mary Drewnoski
    Crop–cover crop economics — Cory Walters
    Soil health principles — Katja Koehler‑Cole
    Soil carbon and monitoring changes in soil health — Carolina Córdova
    Water quality and conservation practices — Anni Poetzl
    Nutrient management for farm efficiency — Javed Iqbal
    Manure management and application strategies — Amy Schmidt

Participants can earn up to 6.5 continuing education unit (CEU) credits and a digital badge in regenerative agriculture by completing all three modules, or select individual modules if they are only seeking CEU credits. Module CEUs include conservation strategies for resilient Nebraska farms (2 CEUs), regenerative agriculture practices and their benefits (2 CEUs), and ecosystem services (2.5 CEUs), spanning soil, crop, nutrient, and precision ag categories.

More information about the program can be viewed on the Regenerative Agriculture Learning Hub site https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soil-health-program/regenerative-agriculture-learning-hub/. 

Participation in the Regenerative Agriculture Learning Hub is offered at no cost through support from Nebraska Extension and USDA NRCS. Register by June 15, and direct questions to Program Coordinator Miranda Mueller, 402‑472‑4067.

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your operation, learn from Nebraska experts, and connect with a growing network of producers. 



Center for Rural Affairs releases fact sheet on land use and tax considerations for agrisolar projects

As electricity demand grows, solar energy projects are being deployed at a rapid rate. New research from the Center for Rural Affairs highlights how land use tax policy can incentivize keeping land used for solar development in agricultural use at the same time.

Released today, the fact sheet “Land Use Tax Policy Considerations for Agrisolar” examines how tax policy can support the coexistence of renewable energy and agriculture by incentivizing  dual-use or agrivoltaic practices.

“As solar development accelerates, some states have adopted policies allowing land used for solar to retain its lower agricultural tax classification, as long as the land under the panels is maintained in agricultural use, such as grazing or crops,” said Laura Priest, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “This approach can allow farmers to take advantage of additional income from clean energy development while keeping land in ag use.”

The fact sheet notes that current use taxation practices often reduce property tax burdens for farmland owners. When land is removed from these programs for solar development, penalties or higher assessments may apply. However, states can design tax policies that allow land to remain classified as agricultural when dual-use practices are in place, supporting both energy production and farming.

For example, in 2025 the state of Nevada adopted bipartisan legislation that defined what it considered to be agrivoltaic practices, and specified that land used in this manner retains similar tax benefits to traditional farmland.

“Thoughtful tax policy can encourage agrisolar approaches that strengthen farm viability, support energy needs, and keep land in agricultural use,” Priest said.

To read and download the fact sheet, visit cfra.org/publications.



ICPB to Hold Director Elections for USDA Crop Reporting Districts 1, 3, 6 and 8

WHAT: The Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) will hold elections in crop reporting districts 1, 3, 6 and 8. Iowa corn farmers elect their peers to serve on the Board of Directors of ICPB to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program. The board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research of new and value-added corn uses, and education on corn and the farmers who grow it. 

Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program.    

WHERE: Crop reporting districts 1, 3, 6 and 8 can vote during business hours at their local county ISU Extension office for representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. 

WHO: Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the local ISU extension office on July 14 can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested no later than June 15 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or on our website at www.iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned to the Iowa Corn office no later than July 14. 

WHEN: July 14, 2026. The results of the election will be announced publicly on July 17. 

The current candidates are as follows:  

USDA Crop Reporting District 1 
    John Schott, Pocahantas County 
    Gina White, Clay County 

USDA Crop Reporting District 3  
    Jerry Keleher, Clayton County   
    Jason Orr, Buchanan County 

USDA Crop Reporting District 6 
    James “Jay” Buline, Johnson County  
    Lance Lillibridge, Benton County  

USDA Crop Reporting District 8   
    Blake Reynolds, Warren County
    Rob Vos, Marion County

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. For more information, visit iowacorn.org.  



EU Dairy Shifts Signal Market Openings and Competitive Tailwinds for I‑29 Corridor Producers
Fred Hall, ISU Extension Dairy Field Specialist 

Dairy producers along the I‑29 corridor—from Sioux City to Brookings to Worthington—enter the summer of 2026 facing a global market that is tightening, shifting, and increasingly favorable to U.S. exporters. The latest USDA Dairy and Products Semi‑annual report from the European Union (EU) shows a dairy sector under mounting pressure, with implications that directly affect milk checks and processor strategy across the Upper Midwest.

EU milk deliveries are forecast to rise only 0.1 percent in 2026, reaching 152.8 million metric tons, despite early gains. The report notes that “declining farm‑gate milk prices paired with increasing costs of energy and fertilizers squeeze farmer profits,” slowing production momentum. Cow numbers continue to fall—down 0.7 percent year‑over‑year—as environmental rules, disease pressures, and high operating costs force consolidation and closures.

For I‑29 producers, this matters. The EU is the world’s largest dairy exporter, and slower growth there reduces global supply pressure, particularly in powders and butterfat—two categories critical to Upper Midwest processors. With EU farm‑gate milk prices dropping to EUR 43.1/100 kg (6 percent below the five‑year average), European producers are losing competitiveness relative to the United States.

Cheese Expansion in Europe, but Export Headwinds Limit Impact
EU processors continue to prioritize cheese, with 2026 production expected to rise 0.8 percent to 11 million metric tons. Strong domestic demand and tourism recovery are driving this shift. However, cheese exports are forecast to fall 1.5 percent due to freight costs, geopolitical tensions, and new trade barriers—including China’s recently imposed 11.7 percent tariff on EU dairy products.

For I‑29 processors—Agropur, AMPI, Valley Queen, DFA, Hilmar—this creates a strategic opening. U.S. cheese becomes more competitive in key markets such as Mexico, South Korea, and Japan, while EU product faces higher costs and reduced access.

Butter and Powder Declines Support U.S. Class IV Prices
EU butter production is projected to fall by 1.4 percent, skim milk powder (SMP) by 3.3 percent, and whole milk powder (WMP) by 5.4 percent, as milk is diverted toward cheese and stocks remain elevated. This is bullish for U.S. Class IV markets.

Producers along I‑29—where processors rely heavily on butter, NFDM, and value‑added powder streams—stand to benefit from firmer global prices and improved export competitiveness.

Environmental Rules and Herd Reductions Give U.S. Producers a Long‑Term Edge
The EU faces tightening nitrates rules, carbon taxes, and herd‑reduction mandates. The report highlights that these pressures “will likely lead to further market consolidation and farm closures throughout 2026.” In contrast, the I‑29 corridor continues to expand processing capacity and improve feed efficiency, positioning the region as a reliable, cost‑competitive supplier to global markets.

Outlook for the I‑29 Corridor
For producers in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota, the EU’s constrained growth and shifting product mix translate into:
    Stronger Class IV support from reduced EU butter and powder output
    Improved cheese export competitiveness due to EU freight and tariff challenges
    Long‑term global market share opportunities as EU environmental rules cap production
    More stable processor demand as Upper Midwest plants continue to expand capacity

As global dairy markets rebalance, the I‑29 corridor is positioned to capture a larger share of export‑driven growth in 2026 and beyond.



Farm Progress Show 2026 unveils major innovations

The Farm Progress Show, which drew 161,000 attendees and 548 exhibitors in 2025, returns to Boone, Iowa, Sept. 1-3, 2026, featuring three groundbreaking additions that elevate the farmer experience and spotlight cutting-edge agricultural technology.

Agronomy Zone: Research Meets Real-World Application
The Farm Progress Show 2026 is expanding its partnership with Ag PhD and the Hefty brothers, Brian and Darren, to introduce an Agronomy Zone that delivers research-grade crop plots with side-by-side product comparisons in real growing conditions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to join the Hefty brothers from Ag PhD for daily guided plot tours at 1 p.m., during which they’ll discuss each of the technologies and companies on display. The plots are professionally managed by DM Crop Research Group, Inc. and Dr. Dan Moellenbeck from planting through show time.

"Farmers want to see products perform in actual field conditions before they invest," said Matt Jungmann, senior national events director at Farm Progress. "That's exactly what they'll get — side-by-side product comparisons in real growing conditions, managed to research-grade standards."

Premium Ticket Packages Offer Enhanced Value
For the first time, the Farm Progress Show is introducing a premium ticket package designed to enhance the attendee experience. Priced at $60 plus fees (an $83 value) the package includes:
    Single-day event admission
    Limited-edition Farm Progress Show hat
    Single-use lunch voucher, redeemable at select on-site vendors

Premium packages must be purchased by Aug. 28, 2026, with hats and lunch vouchers available for pickup at the Hospitality Tent, at the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue.

General admission tickets will also be available at a discounted rate of $15 plus fees through Aug. 28, after which full-price admission ($30 plus fees) will apply.

Drone Zone Takes Flight in Boone
Following its successful debut in Decatur, Illinois, in 2025, the interactive Drone Zone makes its first appearance at the Boone location, providing farmers with hands-on education about precision aerial applications.

The Drone Zone features a dedicated 500-by-500-foot demonstration area in which drones will fly above standing or harvested corn, spraying water to simulate real-world applications. Attendees can observe from a tent equipped with a large-screen TV streaming a first-person view from the drone's camera, providing an immersive perspective on drone operations.

"The Drone Zone gives farmers a chance to see drones in action and get their questions answered by the people who know them best," said Rick Wild, senior operations manager for Farm Progress. "Company reps will be on-site at the Drone Zone, and farmers can also visit their main booths for more detailed conversations."

For more Farm Progress Show news, please visit: https://www.farmprogressshow.com/



USDA Confirms First Case of New World Screwworm in a Dog in Lea County, New Mexico, Fourth Case in Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing additional details about the epidemiological investigation into the case that was reported earlier today in Andrews County, Texas. While the veterinarian who reported the case is located in Texas, the dog resides at a household in Lea County, New Mexico. Therefore, the location of the case will be reclassified to be the first case detected in New Mexico.  

This is believed to be an isolated case; however, because the dog’s recent travel and exposure history remain unknown, USDA and state partners have initiated inspection of additional animals in the dog’s home and increased outreach in the area while continuing to investigate the animal’s movement history.  

“This situation is evolving, and we expect new information to emerge as our investigation continues. USDA is committed to sharing what we learn quickly, accurately, and transparently so animal owners and local communities have the information they need to stay vigilant,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “We are working closely with our partners in New Mexico, Texas, and across the region to ensure we identify, contain, and respond to any potential cases as swiftly as possible.” 

New World screwworm (NWS) poses a serious threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, people. The larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic harm if not detected and treated quickly. 

APHIS and New Mexico state officials are working together closely to implement actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook, including: 
    continuing the epidemiological investigation,  
    sampling additional animals in the household,  
    fly trapping,  
    preparing for release of sterile insects should it be needed, and  
    conducting outreach in the area to encourage reporting of additional suspect cases 

Additional Case in Texas 
In addition to the reclassified case in New Mexico, USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a case in a goat in Gillespie County, Texas. USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission are working as quickly as possible to gather additional details about the case, establish surveillance and testing in the area, and share outreach materials and information. 
Guidance for Pet and Livestock Owners 

USDA urges residents in these areas to inspect animals daily for: 
    Draining or enlarging wounds 
    Maggots or egg masses 
    Signs of discomfort or irritability 
    Lesions around body openings (ears, nose, genital area, umbilicus) 

Anyone suspecting an infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. 

More information about New World screwworm is available at Screwworm.gov. 




USDA Expands Payment Limitation, Payment Eligibility Provisions for Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is expanding payment limitation and payment eligibility provisions that affect program payments including allowing for the equitable treatment of business entities. Additionally, producers will benefit from an increased payment limitation for certain programs, and a broader definition of farming income that will result in more exceptions to income limitations.   

“The 2026 program year will be a monumental change for farmers and ranchers who can now structure their farm entities to benefit from the legal protections of certain business structures without limiting their access to the farm safety net,” said Bill Beam, FSA Administrator. “Producers have had to make difficult decisions for far too long when it comes to structuring their operations. The administration is proud to give farmers and ranchers more options to build and protect their legacy for generations to come while receiving full support from USDA.” 

These changes were outlined in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act which provides a large investment in American agriculture by improving eligibility provisions, the farm safety net, disaster assistance, and price support programs. USDA previously announced that this fall, producers will benefit from increased reference prices for major commodities. Today’s announcement gives producers more flexibility in structuring their operations and provides a stronger safety net. 

Payment Eligibility  
Starting with the 2026 crop year, for payment eligibility purposes, FSA will treat applicable limited liability companies (LLCs) and S-Corporations (S-Corps), and other similar entities, as “pass through entities.” Each member of the qualified pass-through entity who meets actively engaged in farming criteria will help qualify the entity for expanded payments.  

Previously, farm operations that were structured as an LLC or an S-Corp were limited to a single payment limitation, which varies by program. Now, partnerships, S-Corps, qualifying LLCs, and joint ventures or general partnerships will be treated the same.  

For program year 2026 only, farm operations that are structured as LLCs or S-Corps or one of the new qualified pass-through entities must file updated farm operating plans with FSA for program year 2026 by Sept. 15, 2026. After program year 2026, FSA will continue to use June 1 as the date for determining ownership interest in an entity. Producers who have crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage should contact their crop insurance agent or local FSA office before restructuring their farm operation to ensure appropriate timing for restructuring without impacting current insurance coverage.  

Members of qualified pass-through entities must provide contributions and be engaged in farming for the entity to be considered actively engaged in farming.  

An additional change allows members of all entity types to receive compensation for labor and management contributions and use the same contribution to qualify as “actively engaged in farming.” This update provides consistent treatment of member contributions across all entity types. 

Payment Limitation and Attribution 
Payment limitation changes include an increased payment limit for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. Starting with crop year 2025, the ARC and PLC payment limit will increase from $125,000 to $155,000. This payment limit will be adjusted going forward annually based on inflation.    

Payment limitations are the maximum amount that a person or legal entity can receive for any crop year, directly or indirectly, through certain USDA programs. The same maximum payment limitation that applied to joint ventures and general partnerships will apply to qualified pass-through entities.  

The policy change to payment limitation calculations takes effect beginning with program year 2026 for all qualified pass-through entities. 

Average Adjusted Gross Income 
The Working Families Tax Cuts Act broadened the definition of farming income to be more reflective of modern agricultural business practices. As a result, diversified producers will not be penalized under USDA’s requirements for average adjusted gross income (AGI).  

Producers are exempt from the $900,000 AGI cap for conservation and disaster programs if at least 75% of their average gross income is from farming, ranching, or silviculture, which now includes agri-tourism, direct-to-consumer sales, and certain equipment sales.  

Additionally, qualified pass-through entities are not required to certify compliance with the average AGI limitation at the entity level. However, members individually must meet average AGI requirements, which is the same requirement for joint operations. 

More Information      
Producers should contact their local FSA county office for more information or to update their farm operating plan by the Sept. 15, 2026, deadline for the 2026 program year. 



FARM Biosecurity Celebrates Updated Secure Milk Supply Plan and Producer Resources

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program Monday celebrates the release of an updated Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan, website, and resources, ensuring the health and wellbeing of dairy cattle while preserving the economic viability of dairy businesses.

“It was a great opportunity to collaborate with other farmers, processors, veterinarians, and state and federal officials to update the SMS Plan for our evolving dairy industry,” said Tom Walsh, a dairy farmer from Minnesota. “We put together many commonsense resources to protect our animals and consumers while still milking healthy cows and moving healthy animals.”

Updates include the expansion of the SMS Plan for Continuity of Business for use beyond foot and mouth disease (FMD) to include similar contagious diseases like H5N1, resources for producers, cooperatives and processors, as well as updated movement permit guidance that includes raw milk for animal feed and more.

The FARM Biosecurity — Enhanced Program aligns with the Secure Milk Supply Plan for Continuity of Business to provide dairy farmers with the tools needed to develop an enhanced biosecurity plan.

The dairy industry and animal disease threats have changed since the SMS Plan was first created in 2017. Dr. Craig McConnel, an Extension Veterinarian from Washington State University, shared, “This experience opened my eyes to the practical considerations needed to create applicable plans for a broad range of dairy enterprises. I respect all the thought and discussion to create a flexible yet thorough enhanced biosecurity template for FMD, H5N1, or future disease challenges.”

An SMS technical committee comprised of dairy producers like Walsh, cooperatives, processors, extension veterinarians like McConnel, academicians, state and federal animal health officials met monthly from February 2025 to January 2026 to review stakeholder input and guide the updates to the SMS Plan.

An updated draft plan was presented in a national stakeholder webinar, and FARM captured stakeholder feedback last November through a public comment period before the technical committee finalized the updated plan in February.

The new SMS website was reorganized based on stakeholder input, making it easier to find resources to prepare for an outbreak. The website overhaul was executed by Iowa State University’s Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle of Preventalytics, with support from the National Dairy FARM Program.

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which administers the FARM Program, was awarded funding in July 2024 from USDA’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) to better prepare farmers for foot and mouth disease, should an outbreak occur in the U.S. 



Trump Administration Announces Texas Cattleman and Food Safety Entrepreneur, John Bellinger, as Senior Advisor New World Screwworm Preparedness

Monday U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced President Donald J. Trump has appointed John Bellinger as the new Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness. In this role, Bellinger will integrate into USDA’s team to help further drive its robust effort to explore all available technologies to combat the New World Screwworm.

“I want to thank John for joining our team as USDA transitions to the next phase of fighting and eradicating this pest from our borders, as we did nearly sixty years ago, yet it came back due to Biden’s failed open border policies,” said Secretary Rollins. “John’s roots in Texas where New World screwworm is at ground zero, and his private sector experience in the related food safety and cattle industries, will help the administration advance our response and protect U.S. livestock.”

“New World Screwworm presents unique challenges to America’s ranchers, and Secretary Rollins has taken dramatic steps to work on building up our domestic response to this pest. USDA is responding in real time and building up long term capabilities to push back New World Screwworm beyond our borders and past the Darien Gap,” said Senior Advisor Bellinger. “I look forward to working with USDA and our state partners as continuing ramping up testing, detection, and release of our tools to reduce these flies’ populations.”

John Bellinger currently serves on the Texas A&M Board of Regents after being appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, where he serves as Chair of the Committee on Research. He resides in San Antonio and is the co-founder, with his wife Gina, and the former CEO of Food Safety Net Services (FSNS). He is currently a board member of the recently merged company between FSNS and the Certified Group. He is the CEO of Agri-West International food exporter as well as Bellinger Development. He is the former chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Southwest Meat Association. Additionally, he is a longtime member and season ticket holder of the 12th Man Foundation. He is also a member of the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture Development Council, as well an adviser to the Animal Science Department. He remains a partner and board member of Nolan Ryan Beef, BK Beef, BC Stables, AW Japan, Just Pots, and Livek. He is the recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Alumnus for Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and the Outstanding Alumnus of Texas A&M University Animal Science Department in 2014. He has also been inducted into the U.S. Meat Industry Hall of Fame in 2022. Bellinger received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and a Master of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.



Ripple Effects of Screwworm Concerns
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

New World Screwworm has been dominating the headlines for the past week. The USDA has established a dashboard to show the impacts in the U.S. The cases so far have been isolated in Texas. The broader implications are the cases in Mexico, the continued closed border to imports of feeder cattle for Mexico, and the high demand for beef that is difficult to meet in isolation.

Cattle imports from Mexico have been restricted since July of 2025, and the impact has been more pronounced on states along the border. There are cattle feedlots from Texas to California that would be destinations for feeder cattle imported from Mexico. In May, the U.S. cattle on feed total was at 99% of its prior five-year average. However, in Texas and California the on-feed totals were at 93% of their prior five-year average. In Arizona, the number on feed was only 84% of its prior five-year average. New Mexico is not included in Cattle on Feed reports and had 46,522 head on feed in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Thus, feedlots in these states have an outsized effect from the restricted trade.

Texas is not an isolated cattle state. Texas has the largest calf crop of any state in the U.S., predominantly from beef cattle. Texas is also a major feedlot state, with inventory levels at the top like Kansas and Nebraska. The feedlots are large as there is little inventory in feedlots with less than 1,000 head. Kansas and Nebraska are more likely to be unidirectional for cattle movement as calves enter those states to be finished. In 2025, Texas ranked third among states with cattle inshipments of 1.8 million head. That figure is a net number, inflows minus outflows. In 2025 Texas had about 5.5 million head marketed as cattle and calves. Marketings by feedlots were only about 4.1 million head during 2025, implying a fair number of cattle left Texas for other states. Producers in many states east of Texas send cattle to Texas. Producers in Texas send cattle north to other states with feedlots and to Canada.

Year-to-date imports of cattle from Canada are below the levels in 2025. Through May 23, 2026, there were 49,810 head of feeder cattle and 188,843 head of slaughter steers, heifers, and cows imported. Higher imports may be expected given the higher U.S. beef prices. Cattle on feed volumes in Canada are higher than year-ago levels. Perhaps imports have been slow to avoid competing with beef imports from Brazil early in the year.