Virtual Fencing for Beef Producers
With regenerative farming and bull sales to northern Queensland key markets for British White cattle, the possibilities offered by virtual fencing are enticing.
A recent article from FutureBeef provides a great snapshot of fenceless technology. In addition to the advantage of saving time in managing the frequent paddock moves associated with regenerative/time managed grazing virtual fencing can also assist in protecting sensitive areas (eg waterways or remnant bush), allow higher input needs stock (young calves, cows with calves etc) to graze fresh pasture ahead of others while retaining sufficient mass for the followers, reduce fencing costs in large and assist with mustering.
Key points from the article include:
- Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars and audio cues to contain and guide cattle without physical internal fences.
- Training is essential. Most cattle will respond to the audio cue alone within a few days to a week.
- Virtual fencing can improve grazing control, pasture utilisation and mustering efficiency.
- Research shows animal welfare outcomes are comparable to conventional electric fencing when systems are used correctly.
- The technology is legal across Australia, but approved systems differ between states and territories. A physical boundary fence is still required.
