Historic Lubbock Feedlot Closing After 70 Years

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Lubbock Feeders, a 50,000-head cattle feedlot that has operated in Lubbock, Texas for 70 years, is shutting down its operations. The decision to close the historic feedlot was driven by a combination of economic challenges, including the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to live animal imports, and regulatory issues.

Why it matters

The closure of Lubbock Feeders will have a significant impact on the local economy, affecting not just the feedlot itself, but also farmers, truckers, equipment suppliers, veterinarians, and other businesses that relied on the feedyard's operations. The feedlot's closure also marks the end of an era for the beef and agriculture industry in the Lubbock and South Plains region.

The details

Lubbock Feeders had a capacity of 50,000 head of cattle and had processed over 5 million head during its 70 years of operation. The feedlot relied heavily on Mexican feeder cattle, which made up 60-70% of its inventory. However, in 2024, the USDA closed the U.S.-Mexico border to live animal imports due to the threat of the New World Screwworm. This, combined with historically low U.S. cattle inventories, made it increasingly difficult for the feedlot to maintain its operations.

• Lubbock Feeders opened in the 1950s and operated for 70 years.
• In 2024, the USDA closed the U.S.-Mexico border to live animal imports due to the New World Screwworm threat.
• The last feeder cattle crossed the border in May 2025.