Virtual fencing breaks through on Australian farms
Virtual fencing for cattle and sheep, tested for almost two decades, is now commercially available across most of Australia.
Virtual fencing uses GPS collars and sensory alerts to contain and move livestock without physical fences. The technology shifted from testing to common use this year after state rules opened the market.
Australia's CSIRO designed the solar-powered collar technology over almost two decades. Companies like Halter (New Zealand-based) now work on over 1100 Australian farms, charging about $100 per animal per year.
Gallagher's eShepherd system was developed locally and sold globally. It costs $350 per neckband plus $2.50 monthly.
Other companies include Vence (backed by drug maker Merck) and Norwegian firm Nofence. Farmers use the technology for rotating grazing, tracking animals, and managing pasture.
- $100 per year
- Halter annual cost per animal
- 1100
- Halter farms in Australia
- Almost two decades
- Technology development time
- CSIRO
- Developer
Why it mattersFarmers can now graze land they could not afford to fence. This cuts costs and allows better pasture management and animal welfare monitoring.
AustraliaAustralian farms gain access to technology developed here; the regulatory change opens new commercial opportunity for local ag-tech companies.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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