September 23, 2025

Screwworm Moves Closer to U.S. Border

Mexico’s National Health Service confirmed a new case of New World screwworm less than 70 miles from the border between Mexico and the U.S. USDA says this is the farthest north the screwworm has advanced in Mexico during the current outbreak, and it is the most threatening to the American livestock industry. The location of the outbreak is on a major highway between Monterrey, Mexico, and Laredo, Texas. Colin Woodall, the CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says the news is deeply concerning. “The speed that the screwworm has moved through Mexico is a reminder that this pest poses a critical and urgent threat to America’s cattle producers,” he said. “We appreciate the USDA’s investment in resources to protect American agriculture and the FDA’s work to authorize emergency treatments for screwworm, and look forward to additional product approvals.” He also said it’s time to expedite the construction of a new sterile fly facility. 

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Researchers Addressing Cyber Vulnerabilities in U.S. Agriculture

American agriculture has a growing need to strengthen its defenses against cyber assaults. The computers, sensors, GPS, and cloud-based data systems that help producers boost productivity also increase the chances for cybercriminals to worm their way into producers’ operational systems and data. Cyberattacks on agribusinesses in recent years have demonstrated hackers’ ability to shut down processing plants, halt livestock purchases, and cost corporations millions. The University of Nebraska educational system is working to strengthen agricultural cyber defenses. Multiple NU projects with various funding sources, including federal government grants, are at the forefront of analyzing and addressing vulnerabilities. “Many technologies used in precision agriculture, such as drones, have been designed for use and affordability before data security,” said Meghan Jackson of the University of Nebraska. “Disruptions of an automatic irrigation system or hacking a dairy’s control system could mean the failure of an entire season or the death of livestock.”  

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USDA Terminates Food Insecurity Survey

The USDA is terminating future Household Food Security Reports. The agency says the redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous studies do nothing more than fear monger. The study was initially created by the Clinton administration as a means to support the increase of SNAP eligibility and benefit allotments. The USDA said that for 30 years, this study failed to present anything more than subjective, liberal fodder. “Trends in the prevalence of food insecurity have remained virtually unchanged, regardless of a more than 87 percent increase in SNAP spending between 2019 and 2023,” the agency said in a release. About 2.4 million fewer Americans, including families with children, are predicted to receive food stamp benefits every month after lawmakers expanded work requirements for some parents, older SNAP enrollees, and others. That’s according to the Congressional Budget Office Analysis done in August. Recipients will see their assistance shrink as food banks cope with increased demand. 

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U.S. Cattle on Feed Down One Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.1 million head on September 1, 2025. That level was near pre-report trade predictions and one percent below September 1, 2024. Farm Journal’s AgWeb said that the September report shows historically tight U.S. supplies, but may also show farmers are starting to retain some heifers in the American cattle herd. State-by-state reports also show some higher numbers, including Texas at 91 percent compared to last year, Oklahoma at 95 percent, while Kansas is at 103 percent, and Iowa and Nebraska were at 105 percent compared to last year. Placements in feedlots during August totaled 1.78 million head, 10 percent below last year. Net placements were 1.73 million head. Fed cattle marketings in August reached 1.57 million head, 14 percent below last year and the lowest for August since 1996. 

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Applications Open for Neil Dierks 2026 Scholarship

The National Pork Industry Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Neil Dierks Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship honors Neil Dierks, longtime CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, and recognizes his leadership and dedication to the pork industry. “This scholarship reflects his commitment to fostering future leaders and ensures that graduate students with a passion for strengthening the pork industry have the opportunity to build on that legacy,” said John Anderson of the National Pork Industry Foundation Board. “Neil’s leadership and vision left a lasting impact on producers and the broader agricultural community.” Scholarship applications are due by December 31, 2025, and the recipient will be announced at the National Pork Industry Forum, March 4-6, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. Full eligibility requirements and applications are available at NPPC’s online form. To learn more about the scholarship or to make a contribution to the Foundation, visit the NPIF webpage. 

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“Smart Swaps” Initiative for Schools Launches

The dairy checkoff has introduced “Smart Swaps,” a dairy-focused initiative designed to help schools meet evolving nutrition standards and student expectations. The farmer-founded National Dairy Council created Smart Swaps, which helps school nutrition professionals to include dairy in breakfast menus and adapt to evolving meal standards. The program offers training resources along with kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring dairy. “We have reimagined what’s possible with delicious, dairy-centric menu items,” said Alyson Kirchner, senior vice president of youth and schools for Dairy Management, Inc. “These menu options are aligned with the new added sugar and sodium guidelines while ensuring students receive the nutrient-rich foods they love and need.” Student preferences were included in the development of Smart-Swaps recipes, with 2,500 students nationwide testing menu offerings like Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait, a Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl, and Broccoli, Egg, and Cheese Pizza, among others. “This is dairy’s big opportunity,” said Katie Bambacht of the NDC.

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