The New World Screwworm (NWS)— a parasitic pest eradicated from the U.S. in 1966— is climbing north from Panama, and getting a little too close to the homeland. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins closed the U.S./Mexican border for live imports of cattle, equine and bison for a second time this year as eradication protocols ramp up in Central and South America. Alabama State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier with the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries joined host Erin Beasley in studio to discuss this pest and the measures it will take to keep it out of the U.S. cowherd.

As of Wednesday, May 14, the final gavel of the 2025 Alabama Legislative Session has fallen! ACA lobbyists Erin Beasley and Kayla Greer gathered in the Cattle Connect studio after the motion to adjourn “Sine Die,” and the duo debriefed some of the milestone moments from the past 105 days in the State House.

Alabama’s agricultural and forestry industries significantly contribute to the state’s economy. The Agriculture & Forestry Grow Alabama: An Economic Contribution Study revealed that in 2022, the economic contribution of Alabama’s food, fiber, forestry, and green industries was $77.3 billion and 273,271 jobs, which accounted for 10% of Alabama’s workforce.

Learn more about how this study came to light and about the role of the Alabama Agribusiness Council (AAC) as host Kayla Greer chats in studio with AAC Executive Director Grace Ellis. Find more facts and figures at www.GrowAlabama.org.