Evaluation of farm demographics and producer perceptions that influence cow-calf producer horn fly management costs in Tennessee and Texas

The United States livestock industry loses an estimated 1.75 billion dollars annually due to horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L.)), making them a widespread and significant pest of livestock. These ectoparasites feed on the blood of their host 20-40 times per day, which can cause blood loss, introduce pathogens, and decrease weight gains and milk production in cattle. Research suggests that proper horn fly management supports increased weight gains in cattle, leading to positive returns for producers; however, little research exists regarding cattle producers’ horn fly management decisions and their associated costs. Tennessee and Texas cow-calf producers were surveyed to estimate their horn fly management costs per animal and identify factors influencing this cost. Results indicate that the average horn fly management costs per animal in Tennessee and Texas are $9.50 and $12.35, respectively. Tobit regression results indicate that producers who have a college degree, raise Angus cattle, perceive a high intensity of flies to be a problem, agree that horn flies jeopardize cow comfort, or reported having farms with more total acres were associated with lower horn fly management costs per animal. Meanwhile, producers who reported horn flies present on the backs and withers of their cattle, were more likely to spend more on horn fly management per animal. Results indicate that management decisions vary by location and that farm demographics and producer perceptions influence horn fly management costs.