Horse exports from Texas to Mexico are moving again. After a ban that started in June over New World screwworm restrictions, the Del Rio international crossing reopened to equine traffic in October through a phased rollout. That’s welcome news for the rodeo operators, ranchers, and transport businesses across our area who rely on cross-border trade.

The restart hasn’t been smooth. Kerim Talamas, owner of Cavaletti Equine Logistics in San Antonio, told Spectrum Local News he moved 130 horses in the first week back, when 50 is typical. He said he’s excited but nervous, and that his company is struggling with equipment and manpower to handle the surge.

The bigger picture shows how much ground there is to make up. Just over 10,000 horses have crossed from Texas to Mexico this year, down from the usual 15,000-plus, and the screwworm restrictions affect other animals too. For Waxahachie and Ellis County, where rodeo and ranch life are part of the fabric, that backlog means jobs, schedules, and local pocketbooks are still catching up.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the export ban? Tell us your story in the comments.