Podcast Summary – Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: New World Screwworm Detected Close To U.S. Border & January Feeder Cattle Sales
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Ranch It Up delivers a fast-paced recap of major developments impacting the cattle industry at the start of 2026. The hosts highlight urgent animal health concerns – specifically, the detection of New World Screwworm close to the U.S. border in Mexico – and break down headline-making feeder cattle sales at Joplin and Sioux Falls stockyards. The episode is focused on equipping ranchers and cattle producers with timely news and market insight relevant to both animal health and profitability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Urgent Health Alert: New World Screwworm Near U.S. Border

• Detection Details:

  • The latest outbreak of New World Screwworm has been confirmed in a Mexican state approximately 197 miles (or three and a half hours) from the U.S. border.
  • This marks “the northernmost detection so far of New World Screwworm,” raising concerns for U.S. producers.
  • Mexican authorities, with confirmation from the Texas Department of Agriculture (Dec 27, 2025), are monitoring and responding to the threat.

• Trade Impact:

  • Since May 2025, the U.S. has halted imports of Mexican cattle to prevent possible spread.
  • USDA and Mexican officials have been meeting to discuss containment strategies and the long-term goal of resuming trade.

• Containment Efforts:

  • The Mexican government detailed its extensive, ongoing commitment, noting expenditures “surpassed $65 million across various initiatives” to eradicate the pest.

“The latest detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico is the nearest case yet…”
— Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt (00:43)

• Context & Threat:
  • Screwworm outbreaks pose severe risks to both cattle herds and rural economies if they cross into U.S. territory.

2. Record-Breaking Feeder Cattle Sales to Start 2026

• Joplin Regional Stockyards (Missouri) – January 5th:
  • Noted as “the hottest calf posting an all time best sale for calves…”
  • New all-time barn highs were set for calves in the three, four, five, and six weight categories.
  • The five-weight calves stood out, with:
    • $545 on 504-weight calves
    • $530 on 522–524 weight drafts
    • These prices claimed “the top three all time spots and eight of the top ten in barn history.”

“…Joplin set new all time barn highs across the board for three, four, five and six weight calves.”
— (01:22)

• Sioux Falls Regional Livestock (South Dakota) – January 5th:
  • Also recorded a “true barn burner of a sale,” setting 16 new barn records.
  • Standout result: eight 1,200 lb (eight 12 weight) steers fetched $381 per hundredweight, a new all-time record.

“The sale saw eight 12 weight steers fetch 381. A new all time record.”
— (01:47)

• Market Context:
  • These record-breaking prices reflect strong demand and optimism in the cattle market as 2026 begins.
  • Impressive prices for calves and heavy steers highlight a bullish feeder market, even as producers keep a watchful eye on animal health threats like screwworm.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Animal Health Threat:

  “It’s the northernmost detection so far…” (00:42)
  “…US imports of Mexican cattle have been halted and USDA officials have met with their Mexican counterparts about eventually resuming trade.” (00:54)

• On Market Records:

  “Joplin set new all time barn highs across the board…” (01:22)
  “Sioux Falls set 16 new barn records and delivered some of the most eye popping prices in barn history.” (01:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:42] — New World Screwworm update: case details and proximity to the U.S.
• [00:54] — Impact on live cattle trade and U.S. import suspension
• [01:14] — Mexican government’s screwworm containment investment
• [01:22] — Joplin Regional Stockyards: record-setting feeder calf prices
• [01:41] — Sioux Falls Livestock: new barn records and standout steers
• [01:47] — Summary of barn-high prices and their implications

Episode Tone

The delivery is brisk, data-driven, and rancher-focused, balancing urgent animal health warnings with enthusiasm over market highs. The hosts maintain their hallmark “working ranch” authenticity — offering actionable info with a tone geared for rural producers and cattle industry stakeholders looking to make informed decisions.

This summary captures the full breadth of rancher-relevant issues discussed in the episode – from biosecurity threats at the border to the celebratory recounting of barn record prices ringing in the new year.