Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria
This month on CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest cattle market developments, including the first signs of herd rebuilding in years, USDA's plan to reopen the Mexican border to feeder cattle imports, and what declining beef prices could mean for demand. Plus, Elijah talks with Dr. Alan Young of Medgene about the Asian longhorned tick and a new vaccine designed to combat Theileria orientalis Ikeda.In this episode:Feeder cattle futures softened in July, with the August contract at $353/cwt. and September at $348/cwt., down 2% and 3% month-over-month, respectivelyThe July Cattle Inventory Report showed total U.S. cattle inventory at 94.2 million head, up 200,000 head from last year and marking the first July inventory increase since 2018Beef cow numbers were estimated at 28.5 million head, the lowest July total since the report began in 1973Beef replacement heifers increased 3% year-over-year to 3.8 million head, providing the first meaningful evidence of heifer retention and potential herd rebuilding in nearly a decadeDespite signs of expansion, the 2026 calf crop was estimated at just 32.5 million head, down 2% from last year and the smallest calf crop on recordUSDA announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to feeder cattle imports beginning August 24 at Douglas, Arizona, following more than a year of closure due to New World Screwworm concernsA new sterile male screwworm fly production facility in Mexico is expected to strengthen long-term eradication effortsBoxed beef prices have declined roughly 10% since July 4th, raising questions about whether beef demand is beginning to soften beyond the typical post-holiday seasonal slowdownDr. Alan Young explains how the invasive Asian longhorned tick spreads Theileria orientalis Ikeda and why the parasite poses a growing threat to cattle healthTheileria infection can suppress the immune system, cause anemia, reduce fertility, lower performance, and increase susceptibility to secondary infectionsMedgene recently introduced the first U.S. vaccine targeting Theileria orientalis IkedaThe vaccine is designed primarily for naïve calves and is most effective as part of a whole-herd health strategyVaccination currently requires a two-dose series administered three to four weeks apart, with future boosters likely needed to maintain protectionProducers interested in the vaccine should consult their veterinarian, as it is available by prescriptionMedgene Disclaimer: Potency and efficacy of prescription platform product biologics have not been established. This product is prepared for use only by a veterinarian prescription. Medgene’s prescription platform system ensures that all the ingredients that go into our vaccines are animal origin free.Resources mentioned:USDA July Cattle Inventory ReportUSDA APHIS New World Screwworm UpdatesMedgene LabsVirginia weather and markets:Drought conditions improved modestly across parts of Virginia, with 11% of the state now drought-freeSevere drought remains across portions of the Blue Ridge, Northern Virginia, and Southside, while 4% of the state remains in extreme droughtNOAA's August outlook calls for near-normal precipitation and a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperaturesVirginia's six-market average for 500-pound feeder steers was $427.92/cwt. in July, down 6% from June but still 16% above year-ago levelsPersonal note:There will be no September episode of CattlePulse as Elijah takes paternity leave to welcome his first child. The show will return in October.Have a question or topic suggestion?CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.