Reopening Southern Ports to Cattle May Not Boost Herd

The phased reopening of U.S. ports to Mexican cattle imports is unlikely to significantly expand the U.S. herd in the short term, according to University of Arkansas Extension livestock economist James Mitchell. Cattle imports from Mexico were halted following the reemergence of New World screwworm, with restrictions largely in place since late 2024. USDA began a phased reopening on August 24, starting with Douglas, Arizona, while taking steps toward reopening ports in New Mexico.

Mitchell said cattle will likely enter gradually and emphasized there is no large backlog waiting at the border because animals that would have been exported have already been processed. Before the closure, Mexican cattle represented roughly 5% of U.S. feedlot placements and were particularly important to Southern Plains supplies. Although reopening should have little immediate effect on supply and demand, Mitchell expects greater implications this fall and in 2027, though imports may remain below pre-closure levels.