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, respectively
• The 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 2018
• Beef cow numbers were estimated at 28.5 million head, the lowest July total since the report began in 1973
• Beef 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 decade
• Despite 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 record
• USDA 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 concerns
• A new sterile male screwworm fly production facility in Mexico is expected to strengthen long-term eradication efforts
• Boxed 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 slowdown
• Dr. Alan Young explains how the invasive Asian longhorned tick spreads Theileria orientalis Ikeda and why the parasite poses a growing threat to cattle health
• Theileria infection can suppress the immune system, cause anemia, reduce fertility, lower performance, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections
• Medgene recently introduced the first U.S. vaccine targeting Theileria orientalis Ikeda
• The vaccine is designed primarily for naïve calves and is most effective as part of a whole-herd health strategy
• Vaccination currently requires a two-dose series administered three to four weeks apart, with future boosters likely needed to maintain protection
• Producers interested in the vaccine should consult their veterinarian, as it is available by prescription
• Medgene 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 Report
• USDA APHIS New World Screwworm Updates
• Medgene Labs

Virginia weather and markets:

• Drought conditions improved modestly across parts of Virginia, with 11% of the state now drought-free
• Severe drought remains across portions of the Blue Ridge, Northern Virginia, and Southside, while 4% of the state remains in extreme drought
• NOAA's August outlook calls for near-normal precipitation and a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperatures
• Virginia'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 levels

Personal 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 [email protected].