Texas A&M specialist updates Randall County Crops Tour on screwworm cases, nutrition
Wed, August 26, 2026 at 5:21 PM
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As drought conditions continue to challenge ranchers across Texas, producers and industry experts gathered in Randall County for the 49th annual Crops Tour to talk cattle nutrition after recent wildfires and to get the latest on New World Screwworm cases in the state. (Drew Powell/KVII)
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) —As drought conditions continue to challenge ranchers across Texas, producers and industry experts gathered in Randall County for the 49th annual Crops Tour to talk cattle nutrition after recent wildfires and to get the latest on New World Screwworm cases in the state
Dr. Jason Smith, a beef cattle specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, said the U.S. has recorded 46 New World Screwworm cases, with 45 of those in Texas
“Most of those are not active; there are currently only two active cases of New World Screwworm in Texas,” Smith said
Asked whether the active cases were in sheep, Smith responded, “Yes sir, no current active cases of New World Screwworm in cattle in Texas.”
For cattle producers, the bigger day-to-day issue remains dry weather and the decisions it forces
“Right now, in the Texas Panhandle and really across the state of Texas, we’re experiencing some really dry weather, so we’re struggling with that,” said David Baumann, a cow/calf stocker producer
Baumann said producers are weighing whether to cull cows or keep them, adding that while market prices have been helpful, “we’re having some production issues going forward.”
Beef prices have continued to climb. Prices for U.S.-raised beef are up 10% compared to last year, August of 2025. Over the last five years, beef prices have jumped nearly 57%
Those increases are also being felt by restaurants and consumers
“Just trying to find ways, again the last thing you want to do is raise menu prices, so you have to look at ways to cut costs without sacrificing, and that’s something that we talk about often,” said Alex Lee, purchasing director for Big Texan Steak Ranch
Even with higher prices, Baumann said demand remains strong. “Beef demand continues to remain very high,” he said. “The price for beef is high, but they love our product, grain-fed beef, and they continue to purchase it.”
Producers said the combination of weather, herd management decisions and market swings underscores a familiar reality in the cattle business: surviving often means learning to ride out the tough times
