US to Reopen Livestock Ports from Mexico

Jul 02, 2025
By Farms.com

Cattle Imports Resume from Mexico in July

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the phased reopening of select southern ports to livestock imports from Mexico starting July 7, 2025. This decision comes after significant improvements in the surveillance and control of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, which led to a temporary port closure in May 2025.

The first port to reopen will be Douglas, Arizona, followed by ports in New Mexico and Texas, depending on continued safety assessments. The schedule includes Columbus, NM (July 14), Santa Teresa, NM (July 21), Del Rio, TX (August 18), and Laredo, TX (September 15).

Progress has been made in sterile fly dispersal operations, now deploying over 100 million sterile NWS flies weekly. Five USDA teams have also visited Mexico to assess efforts and provide feedback. No significant rise in NWS cases or northward movement has been reported in the past two months.

Only cattle and bison born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua or treated as per NWS protocol in these regions will be allowed entry. Equines from any part of Mexico can also be imported but must undergo a 7-day quarantine.

Mexico has also begun renovating its sterile fruit fly facility in Metapa, expected to boost sterile fly production by mid-2026, aiding long-term NWS control.

“At USDA we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase vital pest surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”

The reopening reflects ongoing collaboration between USDA and Mexico’s SENASICA, ensuring strong biosecurity protocols are maintained to protect U.S. agriculture.

Photo Credit: usda

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.