Analyzing the profitability of fly repulsion techniques in organic dairy production

Description

In this project, initiated by Agrinova, IRDA will analyze the profitability of techniques used to repel pasture flies in organic dairy production. Agrinova’s initial project seeks to develop a fly control method that utilizes hydrolats, a by-product of processed essential oils from the region. IRDA's economic analysis will help determine the hydrolat that is most effective in reducing the fly populations that disturb grazing cows. If the selected hydrolats have a known market value, IRDA will assess the costs and revenues associated with each strategy, which include the following: no pest control; insecticide applications; sunflower and water use; and the use of two types of hydrolats. On the other hand, if the market value is unknown, our analysis will determine a selling price that is optimal for the hydrolat supplier and dairy producer alike.

Objective(s)

• Calculate the break-even point of various hydrolat-based fly repulsion techniques for use in organic dairy production.
• Perform an analysis comparing these techniques to alternative techniques.