I’ve noticed considerably fewer flies on the cattle this season and am trying to pin point the reason. I’ve narrowed it down to these few. We’ve changed our salt mix to a custom blend that includes vinegar and garlic. As the cattle sweat they secrete these components which are distasteful to flies. The triple digit temperatures and lack of precipitation are drying out the cow patties much faster than the normal 80 degree temperatures would. And, the cattle are in good health. Don and I began to wonder if other cattle folks were having the same experience of fewer flies so Don asked a few that he works with. Their response – lots of flies. This might eliminate the theory of the patties drying out faster.

Several years ago, we stopped using traditional commercial pesticides for fly control. We believe it affects the health of our animals and the health of the land. Think about it. Commercial pesticides can absorb into the the largest organ of the bovine body, the skin. Where do the pesticides go from there? Passively enter tissue and then metabolize out. Most likely, if the animal is healthy. Before I continue though, let me add that we all have our own way of managing our herds and I am not criticizing anyone who responsibly uses commercial products. That being said, we tried natural topical products. Some were outright disappointing and others worked but only for a few days. Then we had the opportunity to hear a couple of cattlemen speak about combating flies from the inside out; hence the custom salt mix offered along side of the mineral mix. Not having to corral the cattle to be sprayed is an added benefit.

Getting back to the health of the land, we now have noticeably more beneficial insects like dung beetles, birds, turkey flocks, bees and butterflies. Most likely because we have eliminated pesticides from our health management program. And what do birds and turkeys eat? Flies among other things.