February Ag Report Part 2: Arizona Livestock Bills, New World Screw Worm Updates, and More!

Welcome to another edition of Ag Report, by Arizona Agriculture Connection. This week, this episode recaps key federal and Arizona ag updates.At the federal level, the House introduced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a five-year farm bill extending major programs through 2031; it now moves to the full House. USDA’s January report shows cattle numbers still declining, with Arizona cattle on feed at 90% of last year and national inventories at a 75-year low, though the drop is slowing. USDA also opened a sterile fly facility in Texas to prevent New World screwworm from reaching the U.S.In Arizona, lawmakers advanced multiple ag-related bills, including measures on camping near water sources, the Mexican wolf program, ESA reforms, continuation of the State Land Department, higher weight limits for some off-highway vehicles, and renewal of the Arizona Beef Council. The Arizona Department of Agriculture is accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant applications through March 6. The next episode will spotlight careers in agricultural lending.