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U.S. Cattle Ban Forces Ranchers to Shift Gears

8/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. ban on live cattle imports from Mexico, triggered by the New World Screwworm, has devastated ranchers like Martín Ibarra Vargas in Sonora. Already reeling from two years of drought, they are now forced to sell cattle at steep losses. In a bid for survival, many are turning to beekeeping and retail beef sales, navigating an uncertain future.

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Story summary

The U.S. ban on live cattle imports from Mexico, triggered by the New World Screwworm, has devastated ranchers like Martín Ibarra Vargas in Sonora. Already reeling from two years of drought, they are now forced to sell cattle at steep losses. In a bid for survival, many are turning to beekeeping and retail beef sales, navigating an uncertain future.