June BQA Tip: Fly control

Horn fly control is important for animal welfare, performance and herd health. If horn flies are not controlled, research has shown that animal gains are often reduced by 0.09 lbs/day for nursing calves and 0.20 lbs/day for stocker cattle and replacement heifers. To reduce problems with resistance, chemical classes of topical insecticides should be rotated each year. The topical products currently available can be classified as pyrethroids, organophosphates or avermectins. Remember to rotate chemical classes and not just brand names or application methods. Are you a certified Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) producer? If you’re not, the training is free and available online and in person at select meetings across the state. Read more…