Dairy Farmers Can Now Forecast Fly Pressure with Free Tool from Specialty Herd Solutions

Dairy producers now have a powerful new way to stay ahead of rising fly pressure. A new fly pressure forecasting tool is helping cattle producers assess their fly control practices as fly activity changes within their exact zip code — allowing them to take action before flies begin impacting herd health, comfort, and productivity. The tool is available at SpecialtyHerdSolutions.com

“It is important to start implementing fly control measures well ahead of emergence. Timing can vary by region and year to year,” said Matt Nelson, CEO of Specialty Herd Solutions. “With this new tool, producers can look up to 30 days ahead to determine if their current fly control measures are supporting their herd health and comfort throughout fly season.”

Biting flies significantly increase animal stress and disrupt normal feeding and resting behaviors, which slows weight gain and reduces milk yields. Milk production losses from stable flies alone can reach 15 to 30 percent, depending on fly populations, facility type, and management practices. Flies also contribute to disease challenges — particularly mastitis and pinkeye.1

Recent scientific findings continue to reinforce these impacts. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy cows exposed to high fly pressure performed dramatically more stress‑related behaviors — including tail switching, skin twitching, and foot stomping — compared with cows under low fly loads. The study also reported that fly irritation disrupted cows during feeding and milking, contributing to reduced productivity. Notably, lame cows showed far fewer defensive movements, suggesting they may be more vulnerable to fly‑related irritation and secondary health issues. Researchers concluded that proactive fly management is essential for maintaining cow comfort, immune resilience, and consistent milk production.

Veterinarians are echoing these concerns. “When cows are battling flies, they eat less, rest less, and their immune systems take a hit. Getting ahead of fly season isn’t optional — it’s a core part of protecting herd health and preventing avoidable production losses,” said Dr.  Brian Voortman, DVM, with Herd Health, PLLC.

Specialty Herd Solutions partnered with fly control experts and developers to create this unique forecasting tool, designed to generate customized predictions for individual farms. The new tool incorporates:

Producers receive a 30‑day estimate of expected fly pressure along with tailored recommendations for control measures based on the forecast. The tool is completely free to use and requires no email, no account creation, and no personal information of any kind — producers can access their forecast instantly with zero strings attached.

“When we see animals bunched up, producers are already in a reactive position,” Nelson said. “The only way to achieve meaningful fly control is to stay ahead of the pressure. That’s why we’re offering this tool completely free — because the best way to protect cows is to help producers act early, and better animal care is at the core of our mission.”

Dairy managers can access the free forecast tool today at SpecialtyHerdSolutions.com and begin planning their fly control strategy before pressure peaks.