When TRJ’s Chelsea Shaffer picked up the phone to call Bobby Joe Hill of Hill Rodeo Cattle, she had no idea the U.S.-Mexico cattle border closure had just hit the night before. What started as a routine check-in turned into a breaking-news conversation about a closure that could ripple across the roping industry.
Read: The USDA’s Press Release on U.S.-Mexico Cattle Border Closure
In this episode of The Score, Bobby Joe breaks down what he knows about the shutdown, what it means for ropers and producers, and how the situation is more political than biological. From skyrocketing steer prices to a dwindling supply of cattle for jackpots and ProRodeos alike, Bobby Joe shares hard facts and personal insight from a stock contractor’s front-row seat to the crisis.
Watch the 2024 NFR Steer Break-In
Shaffer also shares follow-up conversations with Ty Yost, who offers a more measured perspective—but agrees on one point: this situation is far from simple.
Whether you rope, produce or are just trying to understand how a closed border affects an entire sport, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Brought to you by: The Hombre head rope from Fast Back Ropes – small, light, and built for performance. Available at fastbackropes.com or by calling (817) 279-1851.
