In September 2026, the Agricultural Trade Office in Monterrey, U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council held their 3rd U.S. Beef Cattle Genetics & Nutrition Roadshow in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Mexico’s beef cattle industry, valued at around $10 billion annually, is key to northern Mexico’s economy and U.S.-Mexico trade. Focused on advancing livestock genetics and nutrition to boost herd productivity and beef quality, the event linked U.S. suppliers, Mexican producers, USDA cooperators, State Departments of Agriculture, and other stakeholders.

Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Information Network Report MX2026-0053, October 26, 2026

On September 23, 2026, Namibia confirmed a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Karasburg (Kharas Region) — previously an FMD-free zone — with 10 of 11 samples positive and 63 cattle affected. The outbreak, south of the veterinary cordon fence, threatens native local herds and comes as neighboring South Africa also fights FMD. Namibia imposed a nationwide livestock trade/slaughter ban, and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) revoked its FMD-free status for the southern zone, halting exports to China, South Africa, and the United States. The livestock sector (about 3.1% of GDP, N$8.8B/year) faces up to 12,000 lost job-years in 2026–27, though confirmed containment to Kharas allowed a partial lift of restrictions north of the cordon fence, while the southern zone stays locked down and international bans continue. Pork remains an exception — slaughter and trade stay suspended nationwide, causing shortages and price spikes.

Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Agricultural Information Network Report WA2026-0001, September 29, 2026