January 12, 2026

New World Screwworm Detected Near Texas Border, Officials Urge Vigilance

State officials are warning livestock producers after a confirmed case of New World screwworm was found about 215 miles from the Texas border in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The parasitic pest, which can cause serious livestock injury and economic loss, was detected in a 7-year-old bovine, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said there’s no evidence the pest has established a breeding population, but producers along the border should inspect animals daily for open wounds and report suspicious cases immediately. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is collaborating with Mexican animal health officials in monitoring and response efforts, Miller added. While the screwworm hasn’t yet been detected in the U.S., rapid reporting and early intervention remain critical to preventing spread, officials said. Livestock owners are encouraged to review biosecurity protocols and contact vets if concerned.

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Uncertainty Grows Over Future of U.S. Farm Bill Legislation

Agriculture policy analysts say 2026 could mark the end of the traditional five-year U.S. farm bill era, as lawmakers struggle to produce comprehensive legislation. The most recent farm bill provisions expired in 2023 and Congress has extended them annually since, leaving perennial programs in limbo. Experts say shifting political priorities and partisan divides have complicated efforts to craft a broad farm policy package that addresses commodity supports, conservation, nutrition and rural development. Without a full farm bill, many programs are funded through short-term fixes, delaying long-term planning for producers. Agriculture advocates warn that prolonged uncertainty could impact crop insurance, disaster assistance and trade programs. Some lawmakers are calling for scaled-down legislation focusing on critical elements, while stakeholders stress the need for stability in federal agricultural policy.

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Global Food Prices Dip, but 2025 Still Shows Year-Over-Year Gain, UN Says

World food prices fell for the fourth consecutive month in December, but overall 2025 food costs remained higher than the previous year, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization reported Friday. The FAO’s Food Price Index, which tracks a basket of key food commodities, dropped to its lowest point since January 2025, reflecting easing cost pressures for staples as markets adjusted. Dairy prices led the December decline with a 4.4% drop, driven by increased cream availability in Europe, while meat and cereal prices also pulled back slightly from earlier highs. Despite the recent declines, prices for many categories remained elevated for the full year: dairy up more than 13% and meat up about 5% compared with 2024. Vegetable oil prices stayed at multi-year highs amid tight supplies, and cereal prices rose modestly on concerns over Black Sea export constraints. The FAO said ongoing geopolitical instability and strong global demand continued to influence markets.

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Texas Water Shortages Threaten Ag Amid Population Surge, Experts Say

Expanding population and economic growth in Texas are deepening water scarcity concerns that could strain agricultural production, experts told the Texas Plant Protection Association conference this week. With about 1,500 new residents arriving daily, municipal and agricultural water demands are rising sharply, speakers said. Agriculture accounts for roughly half of the state’s water use, and continued growth along the Interstate 35 corridor adds pressure on already stressed supplies. Giovanni Piccinni, director of the Texas Water Resource Institute, called for collaborative solutions that balance urban and farm needs, including improved irrigation efficiency and infrastructure investments. Farmers in West and South Texas are already adapting to reduced allocations, switching to drought-tolerant crops and supplemental water storage. Still, officials say long-term planning is essential to protect the state’s agriculture economy, one of the nation’s largest.

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North Dakota Soybeans Find New Markets Abroad, State Leaders Say

Agriculture leaders in North Dakota say growers are tapping new international markets for soybeans after disruptions from the 2025 trade war with China. Officials reported increased interest in North Dakota soy on the global stage, with plans to promote exports to Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Thailand. Trade delegates from the state are scheduled to visit the region next week to strengthen relationships with buyers and explore opportunities for long-term contracts, according to state agriculture officials. Producers hope the expanded penetration into Asian markets will help offset past volatility caused by geopolitical tensions and tariff barriers, which limited access to traditional customers. Market analysts say broader export diversification could help stabilize prices for soybean farmers and support rural economies. North Dakota remains a leading soybean producer, and agricultural advocates say this push aligns with wider national efforts to expand U.S. agricultural exports.

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European Farmers Protest EU Trade Deal with South American Nations

Dozens of French farmers drove tractors into central Paris and blocked major roads Thursday to protest a proposed European Union trade agreement with South American Mercosur nations, saying it threatens local agriculture and could undercut prices for beef, chicken and sugar. Organized by the Rural Coordination farming union, about 100 tractors entered the capital and gathered near landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and the National Assembly despite a ban on such demonstrations, according to organizers. Farmers say cheaper imports under the EU-Mercosur pact, which would liberalize trade with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, would worsen already tight margins for European producers. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will vote against the deal at EU level, reflecting mounting political opposition at home, though the pact may still move forward with support from other member states. The protests mirrored actions by farmers in Greece, where rural groups blocked highways as part of broader discontent with trade and rising production costs.

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