I’d first like to address an issue that has dominated the past few days and that is the discovery of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas. Over the past several years NWS has been making its way slowly north through Mexico despite containment efforts. The state of Texas in coordination with the USDA have implemented stringent protocols to work to stop further spread of this nasty bug including a quarantine and inspection zone around the location of the infected animal. Traditionally and thankfully, NWS has not been able to establish in Illinois thanks to our cold winters. I sincerely hope that this outbreak can be contained and that continued mitigation efforts will once again push NWS south towards Panama.
I want to emphasize that the food supply is safe. This is not a food safety issue.
I would also like to put out a plea for safety. Over the past week or so, there has been one grain bin entrapment that ended in tragedy in Southern Illinois and another entrapment down near Camargo that could have very easily turned tragic. Please take the time to be safe. I know that as planting season winds up that getting bins cleaned out starts to take precedence, but please pay attention, be safe, and remember that things can change in an instant.
If there is anything the CCFB can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Bailey Conrady
CCFB Manager, 6/5/26
