Texas Ranchers Face Prices, Screwworm Pressure
Cattle and crop operators in Texas should weigh weak commodity prices and a screwworm outbreak against possible relief in diesel and fertilizer costs.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Agriculture
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Texas agriculture leaders say weak commodity prices and a New World screwworm outbreak are their top concerns following the November 3, 2026 midterm election. Operators in Texas cattle and crop operations face these pressures as diesel and fertilizer costs are expected to ease once the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens.
Why it matters
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said farmers and ranchers feel frustrated by political talk and a lack of action, and feel they are not being listened to. The screwworm outbreak, now present in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, was underplayed up to the election according to Miller, which he cited as a reason producers feel unheard.
AAA data shows the average Texas gasoline price fell 12 cents over the past week as demand fades with cooler weather. The screwworm outbreak spans three states, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, though the source gives no case counts.
The players
Sid Miller
Texas Agriculture Commissioner who oversees the state's agriculture regulatory and promotional functions for farmers and ranchers.
Greg Mock
Local agronomist and cattle producer who is commissioner-elect for Precinct 4 in Grimes County, Texas.
AAA
American Automobile Association, a motorist services organization that publishes regional fuel price tracking used by businesses and consumers.
The details
Texas agriculture leaders identified weak commodity prices as the biggest local challenge, according to Greg Mock, a local agronomist, cattle producer, and commissioner-elect for Precinct 4. Mock said importing beef will lower costs on some cuts, such as ground beef, which would shift retail pricing pressure for cattle operations. Miller said the Strait of Hormuz is expected to open fully soon, which would reduce diesel and fertilizer costs for farm and ranch operations.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Midterm election held, followed by agriculture leaders raising concerns about commodity prices and screwworm.
Past week: Average Texas gasoline cost fell 12 cents, according to AAA.
Soon: Strait of Hormuz expected to fully open, lowering diesel and fertilizer costs.
Soon: Screwworm case numbers expected to drop.
Market Landscape
Texas agriculture faces compounding pressures from weak commodity prices and a screwworm outbreak spanning three states. Input costs for diesel and fertilizer may ease once Strait of Hormuz shipping normalizes, which would affect margins across the state's crop and livestock sectors.
Cattle and crop operators should factor in the possibility of lower diesel and fertilizer costs once the Strait of Hormuz reopens, but should also plan around continued weak commodity prices. Operators handling beef sales should watch how beef imports affect pricing on cuts like ground beef.
The takeaway
Texas producers should monitor screwworm case counts and Strait of Hormuz shipping updates as both will shape input costs and herd management decisions in the coming months. Operators should review their own diesel and fertilizer contracts against expected price movements and consult a qualified accountant before making major purchasing commitments.
Further reading
For broader context on how these pressures play out across the sector, explore Agriculture coverage on We are Main Street.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 25 News KXXV and KRHD.
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