Sonora Cattle Exports Through Agua Prieta to Resume on Sept. 8 After Inspection Equipment Replacement

Sonora’s cattle exports through the Agua Prieta border crossing are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8, after a replacement inspection chute is installed at the quarantine station.

The Sonora Regional Livestock Union said operations would remain suspended while workers replace equipment used by personnel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The equipment developed problems that posed a risk to both workers and cattle.

The latest suspension began on Friday, Aug. 28, shortly after exports through the crossing had resumed. The renewed closure has again disrupted producers who depend on the route to send livestock to the U.S. market.

Union president Juan Carlos Ochoa Valenzuela said the contractor expected installation of the new equipment and curing of the floors to take three to four days. Because the United States observes Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, operations are scheduled to restart the following day, with appointments that had been arranged before the suspension.

The livestock organization said the disruption strengthened its efforts to seek the opening of the Nogales quarantine station. It argued that the facility has the infrastructure needed for livestock reception and pre-inspection protocols. The union said it would continue reporting on the work and the resumption of operations.