November 2, 2026

NWS Detection Fuels Debate Over Mexico Border Reopening

A New World screwworm infestation has been confirmed in Arizona, marking the third U.S. state affected by the flesh-eating parasitic fly. According to Reuters, the case was detected in a dog in Cochise County along the Arizona-Mexico border. The dog had a wound on its back infested with maggots. Lab testing confirmed the presence of screwworm. The animal is receiving veterinary care. Bloomberg reported that 74 screwworm cases have been identified in the United States since the outbreak began in June. Eighteen of those cases remain active, including 10 in New Mexico. October has become the second-busiest month for detections. Officials say the pest is often spread through the movement of animals. The Arizona case comes two months after USDA resumed livestock imports from Mexico through select ports, according to Forbes. Industry group R-CALF USA criticized the decision, saying the border reopened before all mitigation measures were fully operational. Meanwhile, Construction Briefing reported a $610 million sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, Texas, remains on track to begin operations in April 2027. Texas Agriculture Daily added that Nogales, Arizona, is scheduled to reopen to cattle imports Nov. 30, pending animal health conditions and inspection readiness.

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Financial Gap Narrowing Between Large and Small Crop Farms

A new analysis of FINBIN data from 2007 to 2025 suggests financial performance differences between small and large crop farms may be narrowing. FINBIN is a farm financial and production database developed and maintained by the University of Minnesota. Purdue agricultural economist Michael Langemeier found that operating profit margins were nearly identical across farm sizes, averaging about 20% regardless of acreage. The study compared farms with fewer than 500 crop acres to those with more than 2,000 acres. While profitability and growth in net worth showed little difference, larger farms consistently posted stronger asset turnover ratios. This is a key measure of how efficiently assets generate revenue. Average asset turnover was 35.2% for the largest farms, compared to 22.3% for the smallest operations. However, the gap has narrowed over time. The analysis states that differences in returns between large and small farms are driven more by financial efficiency than by profit margins. Future research is set to examine labor and machinery benchmarks.

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USDA Awards 147 Grants to Expand Meat Processing Capacity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced up to $57 million in funding through its Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to support small and mid-sized meat processors. The funding includes 147 awards across 40 states and is designed to expand processing capacity and strengthen competition in the meat sector. USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Glen Smith says the program addresses a critical challenge facing livestock producers – a bottleneck in the ability to process that animal and deliver it directly to consumers. Smith says the program has evolved through four phases. Early rounds focused on expanding and modernizing processing facilities, while later phases increased cost-share assistance, supported invasive catfish processing, and targeted independently owned small and intermediate cattle processors. USDA officials say the investments aim to improve processing access, expand market opportunities, and strengthen local and regional food supply chains.

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Texas Project Aims to Expand Cattle Processing Options

USDA has also announced a loan guarantee to support construction of a locally owned beef processing facility in Dimmitt, Texas. Vice President J.D. Vance unveiled the investment through USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, backing a $24.6 million commercial loan for the project. The USDA-inspected facility is expected to process about 400 head of cattle per day and create 220 jobs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the investment supports efforts to strengthen the U.S. cattle industry and expand processing capacity in rural America. The project is backed by 36 local investors involved in cattle production across the Texas Panhandle. Organizers say the facility will provide an alternative to large national meat-packing companies, increase competition in the beef sector, and create jobs paying an average of $30 per hour. The Dimmitt facility is expected to boost regional economic activity while providing additional marketing opportunities for cattle producers.

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Winter Soybean Strategy May Help Pig Farmers Beat the Summer Heat

New research funded by the Soy Checkoff suggests winter feeding decisions could help pork producers minimize the seasonal drop in carcass weights during the summer months. Researchers found that increasing soybean meal levels in grow-finish diets helped pigs maintain performance during periods of heat stress. In a commercial trial, pigs fed higher soybean meal diets produced carcasses averaging 5.5 pounds heavier than those fed the operation’s previous high-energy ration. It also reduced feed costs per pig. Iowa soybean farmer and pork producer Tim Bardole explains that the pigs to be sold next summer are in the barn this winter when the diets are set. He says if a farmer waits until the heat shows up to think about carcass weights, the formulation decisions that matter have already been made. A 2026 Soy Checkoff survey found 60% of swine nutritionists representing about 3.6 million sows have increased soybean meal in late-finishing diets to help offset the summer dip. The organization also launched Feed4Profit, an online ration-analysis tool, for pork producers and nutritionists to explore research and feeding resources.

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NCC Elects New Leadership Team for 2027

The National Chicken Council has elected a new slate of officers for 2026-27, with Wayne-Sanderson Farms President and CEO Kevin McDaniel installed as chairman. McDaniel brings more than 35 years of poultry industry experience, including leadership roles with Wayne Farms, Aviagen North America, OK Foods, and Pilgrim’s. He succeeds outgoing chairman David Jackson. Joining McDaniel on the NCC leadership team are Perdue Farms President and CEO Kevin McAdams as vice chairman and Tip Top Poultry President and CEO Brad Respess as secretary-treasurer. Harrison Kircher will continue serving as NCC president. Kircher says he looks forward to working alongside the team as they advocate for policies that keep chicken affordable, safe and abundant. NCC represents the U.S. chicken industry and advocates on issues ranging from food safety and trade to animal health and regulatory policy.

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