2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research project is to 1)Assess the economic feasibility of an integrated approach to maintain low fire ant populations with reduced need for bait toxicants by using available self-sustaining fire ant biological control agents in conjunction with bait toxicants. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The following economic aspects will be estimated: 1. The costs of the materials and applications to affect the demonstration projects or tests; 2. The damages to pasture forage, livestock, and farm equipment and electrical before the implementation of the planned management and control practices; 3. Differences in damages by geographic area; 4. The benefits received to clients from control mesures versus no control practices; 5. The areawide net effects of the proposed management plans; 6. The overall economic impacts in the U.S. of the fire ant on pastures, livestock, and farmsteads. 3.Progress Report This report documents activities under a Specific Cooperative Agreement, 0500-00044-017-09S, between ARS and the Texas A&M University. Additional details of the research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 0500-00044-017-00D – Area-wide Suppression of Fire Ant Populations in Pastures. The aim of the SCA is to assess the economic impact of fire ants as related to the parent CRIS. Researchers collected data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the United States Census, Sales and Marketing Magazine, state and producer associations, and various secondary sources to gain additional information on economic impact of fire ants. Demographic data were gathered for each of the thirteen currently infested states, and economic projections were made for Hawaii, which could be potentially invaded by RIFA. This model was used to assess damage and estimate the cost and benefit of control at the state and national levels. Progress on this project was monitored throughout the year by means of email communications, telephone communications, and semi-annual meetings with Area-wide cooperators.