Updates On New World Screwworm & Beef Processor Bale Out - Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Summary3 min read

Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Updates On New World Screwworm & Beef Processor Bale Out
Hosts: Jeff ”Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca ”BEC” Wanner
Date: July 3, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Tigger & BEC deliver crucial updates impacting the ranching and cattle industry, focusing on the ongoing spread of the New World screwworm in Texas and the economic ripple effects, including a new federal relief program for beef processors. The hosts highlight both the animal health emergency and the major financial pressures facing producers and processors, providing timely information for the ranching community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New World Screwworm Outbreak in Texas

Current Situation:
- As of the end of June, the USDA has confirmed 27 cases of New World screwworm in the United States.
- Outbreak primarily affects cattle, goats, sheep in Texas, and has even reached a dog in New Mexico.
- Historical perspective: Screwworm has been a challenge since the 1840s and caused large economic damages before near eradication.
Potential Impact:
- USDA estimates:
  - Texas producers could lose more than $730 million.
  - Total US economic impact could approach $1.8 billion.
- "By the 1960s, annual losses were approaching $100 million. Adjusted for today's dollars, a recent USDA study estimates Texas producers alone could lose more than $730 million..." (Ranch News Host, 00:44)
Industry Disruption:
- US-Mexico border closed to Mexican cattle imports, already causing financial strain for nearly a year.

2. Federal Response & Relief for Beef Processors

New Relief Program:
- The Trump administration is launching a $500 million program targeted at small and mid-sized beef processors.
- Objective: Offset losses estimated at around $300 per head as the cattle industry grapples with tight supplies and economic loss.
- "USDA says qualifying processors will receive payments if they maintain minimum cattle slaughter levels. The program is designed to help offset losses that are estimated at around $300 per head." (Ranch News Host, 01:36)
Eligibility & Exclusions:
- Major packers not eligible: Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef are excluded (these control over 80% of US fed cattle processing).

3. Broader Industry and Economic Implications

The screwworm spread highlights both the vulnerability of US livestock to pests and the economic interconnectedness of North American ranching.
Federal aid marks recognition of financial hardship, but only smaller processors stand to benefit—major corporate players are left out, focusing relief on family-run and regional operations.

Memorable Quotes & Segment Timestamps

On the scope of the screwworm outbreak:
- "The pest could bring significant economic losses to producers. As of the end of June, USDA has confirmed 27 cases in the United States." (Ranch News Host, 00:44)
On the economic history:
- "By the 1960s, annual losses were approaching $100 million." (Ranch News Host, 00:58)
On the government response:
- "The Trump administration is rolling out a new $500 million relief program to help small and mid sized beef processors as the cattle industry continues to deal with the smallest cattle supplies and heavy financial losses." (Ranch News Host, 01:22)
On who’s eligible:
- "The nation's four largest beef packers, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill and National Beef, are not eligible for the assistance. Those companies process more than 80% of all US fed cattle and are excluded from the program." (Ranch News Host, 01:49)

Important Segments (Timestamps)

00:44 – Overview of New World Screwworm outbreak, animal impact & case numbers
00:58 – Historical context and economic impact estimates
01:22 – Federal relief program details and rationale
01:49 – Exclusion of major beef packers and implications for the industry

Tone & Style

The delivery is straightforward, informative, and focused on actionable news for working ranchers and cattle producers. The hosts prioritize hard data, historical context, and practical updates that affect their community's livelihoods.

This episode is a must-listen for operators and stakeholders in the beef industry, providing essential updates on animal health threats and federal financial support mechanisms.

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Transcript3 lines

[00:00]
Ranch News Host
Your ranch it up Heard it here. Weekly recap is up right after this.
[00:04]
Superior Livestock Auction Announcer
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[00:44]
Ranch News Host
New World Screwworm continues to spread in Texas, livestock owners are being urged to stay alert. Beyond the animal health concerns, the pest could bring significant economic losses to producers. As of the end of June, USDA has confirmed 27 cases in the United States. The parasite has been found in cattle, goats and sheep in Texas, along with one infected dog in New Mexico. New World screwworm has a long history in the United States, dating back to the 1840s. By the 1960s, annual losses were approaching $100 million. Adjusted for today's dollars, a recent USDA study estimates Texas producers alone could lose more than $730 million, with the total economic impact reaching nearly $1.8 billion. While the first U.S. case this year was confirmed in Texas on June 3, livestock producers have already been feeling the financial impact for nearly a year because the US Mexico border has remained closed to Mexican cattle imports. In an effort to slow the spread of the pest, the Trump administration is rolling out a new $500 million relief program to help small and mid sized beef processors as the cattle industry continues to deal with the smallest cattle supp aids and heavy financial losses. USDA says qualifying processors will receive payments if they maintain minimum cattle slaughter levels. The program is designed to help offset losses that are estimated at around $300 per head. The nation's four largest beef packers, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill and National Beef are not eligible for the assistance. Those companies process more than 80% of all US fed cattle and are excluded from the program. And that is your ranch. It up. Herd it here. Weekly RECAP have a Some cows push to the front, some hang back, and some are just too darn busy raising a calf to compete for supplement over time. Uneven intake can mean uneven performance across the herd. That's why Westway Feed Products Liquid feed is available 247 giving every cow the opportunity to consume on her own time, because consistent intake helps support consistent performance. Liquid feed from Westway Feed Products.