Arizona Cattle Imports Rose Amid Phased Border Reopening
Daily live cattle imports from Mexico through the Agua Prieta-Douglas crossing have climbed to 1,300 animals.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Agriculture
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Is it a good time to reopen U.S. borders to livestock imports from Mexico?
Daily cattle imports into Arizona from Mexico have reached 1,300 head as the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues a phased reopening of the border. This volume has nearly doubled since the Agua Prieta-Douglas port first reopened to livestock in August.
Why it matters
The border was closed for over a year to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, which remains active in Sonora. Officials are monitoring import volumes closely to ensure that the continued phased reopening does not compromise regional agricultural safety.
Current daily imports of 1,300 head represent a significant increase from the 700 head processed during the August reopening. Currently, only two cattle ports remain open along the entire U.S.-Mexico border.
The players
U.S. Department of Agriculture
This federal agency is responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, forestry, and food.
The details
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is overseeing the movement of cattle, which are being brought across the border on foot. While Sonora has registered more than 100 active cases of the New World screwworm, Arizona continues to report zero recorded instances of the parasite.
Timeline
August 2026 marked the border reopening to live cattle imports.
October 13, 2026, saw daily import volumes reach 1,300 animals.
October 20, 2026, is the projected date for daily import volume to rise to 1,500 animals.
Market Landscape
The resumption of trade reflects a cautious stabilization of regional livestock logistics following strict adherence to New World screwworm eradication and quarantine protocols. This approach allows for the gradual normalization of supply chains while maintaining biosecurity barriers against cross-border threats.
The gradual increase in cattle imports helps stabilize local supply chains for Arizona livestock producers. Consumers can expect continued oversight from federal agencies as the state manages the logistics of animal health inspections.
The takeaway
The phased reopening underscores the necessity of balancing economic trade with stringent biosecurity measures. Farmers and stakeholders should monitor upcoming inspection updates at the Nogales facility as import volumes continue to rise.
What happens next
Daily cattle imports are expected to increase to 1,500 animals by October 20, 2026, while quarantine facilities in Nogales are prepared for upcoming inspections.
Further reading
For more information on the regional impact of these imports, visit the Arizona Agriculture section.
Live Poll
Is it a good time to reopen U.S. borders to livestock imports from Mexico?
