Summary3 min read

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.

Loading summary

Transcript3 lines

[00:00]
A
Your ranch it up. Heard it here. Weekly recap is up right after this.
[00:04]
B
Attention cattlemen seeking profit driven genetics that help your bottom line. This is Travis Wolfe from Bred for balance, Starbuck, Minnesota. You are invited to our annual sale February 13th, 1pm at the ranch selling 130 Simmental and Sim Angus bulls and 65 females. There's a three year breeding soundness warranty on the bulls. To view or request a catalog, visit breadforbalance.com and bid online at DV Auctions. Hope to see you February 13th in Starbuck, Minnesota.
[00:31]
A
Ranch channel.com I know many of you have used it to search for your next herd sires. Ranch channel.com you used it. You loved it. If you haven't gone to it, you need to Coming Soon Market Information Yep. Feeder cattle, live cattle futures, corn, wheat and beans updated every 10 minutes at your fingertips. Plus the additions of products and services, management tips. That information that you've been wanting and again all at your fingertips. It's your farm and ranch network on demand ranch channel.com the latest detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico is the nearest case yet, according to reports from Mexico's National Service of Agro, Elementary Public Health Safety and Quality and confirmed by the Texas Department of agriculture back on the 27th of December 2025. In a Mexican state that is about 197 miles or 3 and a half hours from the border, it's the the northernmost detection so far of New world screwworm. Since May 2025, US imports of Mexican cattle have been halted and USDA officials have met with their Mexican counterparts about eventually resuming trade. In December, Mexican government officials detailed their own efforts to contain New World screwworm, which surpassed $65 million across various initiatives. And on the feeder calf side, Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri kicked off the new year with the hottest calf, posting an all time best sale for calves back on January 5th. In a remarkable and unprecedented run, Joplin set new all time barn highs across the board for three, four, five and six weight calves. The five weight division was especially dominant with prices like 545 on 504 weight calves and 530 on multiple 522524 weight drafts, claiming the top three all time spots and eight of the top ten in barn history. Sioux Falls Regional Livestock in South Dakota kicked off the year in dramatic fashion with a true barn burner of a sale also on January 5, setting 16 new barn records and delivering some of the most eye popping prices in barn history. The sale saw eight 12 weight steers fetch 381. A new all time record. And that is your ranch. It up. Heard it here. Weekly recap. Have a great weekend.