August 19, 2025
New USDA Plan to Push Back Against New World Screwworm Threat
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the largest initiative yet in the USDA’s plan to combat the New World screwworm. Through a more comprehensive approach, USDA will construct a sterile fly facility in Edinburg, Texas, an ideal location due to the existing infrastructure and proximity to the U.S.-Mexican border. The plant will produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week to combat NWS. USDA will also invest $100 million in developing technology that could show rapid advancement in augmenting the U.S. sterile fly facility. USDA is also working to hire mounted patrol officers, called “tick riders,” at the border, who will provide the first line of defense against an outbreak along the border from wild animals. They will also begin training detector dogs to detect screwworm infestations in livestock and other animals along the border. USDA will also continue working closely with Mexican officials to slow the spread of NWS.
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Pro Farmer Crop Tour This Week is Counting Down to Harvest
One of the most important independent measurements of American crop production is well underway this week amid several challenges which are making it harder than ever to predict yield, one of the crucial statistics driving the Corn Belt’s economy. The 33rd annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour runs through August 21, and will send scouts to fields in seven states to measure corn and soybean potential. Lane Aakre (acre), Pro Farmer economist and eastern tour leader, says they’re eager to get out into the fields. “USDA is forecasting some huge numbers in states like Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and South Dakota, based on satellite imagery and feedback from farmer surveys,” Aakre said. USDA no longer collects objective yield samples in August, so the Crop Tour is the first to broadly measure ear populations and pod counts from actual fields in the Corn Belt. They’ll pull more than 1,600 corn and 1,600 soybean samples.
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Cattle Producers Applaud Next Steps in Screwworm Fight
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced its continued support of the USDA’s aggressive plan to combat the spread of New World screwworm by ramping up construction of a sterile fly distribution facility alongside a production facility in Texas. “We commend President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins for their swift action in combating a threat like NWS,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “USDA’s collaboration with Texas in building sterile fly production and distribution facilities at Moore Air Force Base in Texas marks a critical step in stopping the spread of the screwworm and protecting the American cattle herd.” He also said producing flies domestically under American oversight will overcome supply challenges in Mexico and Central America, strengthening the U.S. battle against New World screwworm, and protecting herds on both sides of the Mexican and U.S. border. Screwworm larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious and often fatal damage.
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New Study on Red Meat and Obesity Shows No Link
Recent beef checkoff-funded research adds to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role fresh beef plays in a healthy, sustainable diet. Animal-sourced foods like red meat are often associated with obesity risk. However, Texas Tech University researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of available research on the relationship between unprocessed red meat intake and obesity, finding no significant effect of such intake on weight gain or related metabolic issues in adults. The researchers found that beef contains high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, and people enjoy it as a key source of nourishment, but they’re often discouraged from consuming red meat based on recommendations primarily driven by observational evidence. The Texas Tech study is the first to fully review the totality of causative evidence, which shows no protective or adverse effect of unprocessed red meat intake on obesity. The NCBA and the Texas Beef Council funded the research.
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Corridors to Trade Can Support Nigeria’s Protein Needs
The U.S. Soybean Export Council hosted its signature “Nigeria: NOW” conference this month, bringing together stakeholders across the government and private sectors, including poultry producers, nutritionists, and more. Participants discussed multiple topics, including how to address Nigeria’s protein gap, trade, and economic growth. Speaking at the event, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg said, ”The U.S. Soybean Export Council’s conference marks a pivotal milestone in creating a pathway for mutual prosperity and shared economic success. By addressing Nigeria’s protein gap, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.” USSEC said it’s enthusiastic about the opportunities arising from the collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. It’s crucial in helping export-ready U.S. companies build relationships with Nigerian agribusinesses, training Nigerians in new agricultural practices, and promoting U.S. soy in Nigeria’s feed and food.
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U.S. Government Sues California Over Emissions
The U.S. government sued California to stop it from enforcing stringent emission standards for heavy-duty trucks that President Trump recently declared void. In complaints filed this week in two federal courts, the Justice Department said federal law preempts the California Air Resources Board from enforcing various emissions rules governing heavy-duty trucks and engines. That includes the Clean Truck Partnership, an initiative with manufacturers designed to advance California’s goal of lowering emissions, while giving the truck-making industry the flexibility to meet emissions requirements. The Justice Department recently sued after a House committee learned that staff at the California Air Resources Board won’t let manufacturers bring vehicles to market unless they comply with California’s preempted standards. “This ongoing defiance of federal law must stop,” the department said. California’s rules regarding light-duty vehicles are also preempted.” Reuters said the California Air Resources Board declined to comment, as did California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
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