agriculture

In April 2026, Kansas exported $91.3 million of products to China, the third largest country behind Mexico and Canada, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, an economic data-gathering organization.

Track confirmed New World screwworm infestations in Texas and learn what the flesh-eating parasite is, which animals are at risk, how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for and what officials are doing to contain the outbreak.

The state’s resilient, adaptable farmers can raise just about anything and use less water doing it. But will enough people buy what they produce?

Most stray animal shelters are already at capacity. Adding a deadly parasitic infestation could create an even more dire situation.

Experts say not to panic. These are the signs to look for to protect your fur babies.

Governor Abbott has declared a state of emergency over the New World Screwworm and its potential impact on the U.S. livestock industry, as state experts are calling on all Texans to help monitor for the flies. Meanwhile, West Texas ranchers are not panicking, taking the news as another part of an already difficult job.

Federal officials say rapid reporting is critical to stopping the flesh-eating parasite from becoming established in Texas. Miller suggested some ranchers may hesitate to report cases because of quarantine restrictions.

On Monday, state Rep. Don McLaughlin said the parasitic fly that threatens the state's cattle industry was 1 mile away. U.S. officials said that was not yet true.

The detection marks the first U.S. case of New World screwworm since the parasite was eradicated in the 1960s.

The cost of doing business in agriculture was already high before the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which spiked fertilizer and fuel prices. Now, making any money this season may require farmers to cut back on certain resources.