NEW “Virtual Fencing”

Ranchers in the US spend a lot of time and money building and repairing fences. But this never-ending chore could be a thing of the past with the use of new “virtual fencing” (VF) technology that is finally making its way to the US. Producers can also now get help funding VF projects via a new program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Virtual fencing is a system that uses “smart” collars to herd and monitor livestock. On one hand, the systems are similar to wireless fences (aka geofencing) used for dogs that send a small electronic vibration or shock to the animal’s collar when they get too close to a predetermined boundary. Most of the livestock systems do this and a whole lot more.

Systems for livestock start off delivering a warning sound of some kind when an animal gets within a certain range of the invisible fence. If the animal continues to move toward the boundary, they get a mild electric zap. Folks who have used the systems say it can take anywhere from one try to around 10 days for the animals to learn to recognize the auditory warning and stop moving toward the virtual boundary.

This approach gives livestock producers a whole new range of flexibility for managing their operations. Ranchers can put virtual barriers anywhere, including around bodies of water and solar or wind operations. To move a fence line, all it takes is an app on a mobile device.  

The ability to move fence lines with the flick of a wrist also means farmers have the power to move their entire herd from nearly any location. A herd can literally be moved to a new pasture while having coffee at the breakfast table. Dairy farmers have used the systems to train their cows to take themselves to the milking barn every morning.  

 In the case of disasters like fires and floods, being able to virtually direct the movement of livestock toward safety can help save not only the lives of animals, but farmers too. Afterward, there is no need to worry about potentially damaged fence lines where livestock might be able to escape.

VF systems also allow farmers and ranchers to monitor their herds. Each collar shows the location of the animal its attached to, which can reveal that an animal has become separated from the herd or even that its activity levels have mysteriously declined, indicating potential illness or injury.  

Virtual fencing, like nearly everything, also comes with some unique challenges and controversy. One area of debate is whether VF is more cost effective than real fencing. The systems aren’t cheap. For instance, just the collars from VF company “Nofence” run $329 each for cows and $229 for goats and sheep. On top of that, the company charges a monthly subscription fee that’s based on herd size, along with other factors. Costs vary by company, of course, but most seem to have a similar fee structure. Battery life also has been an issue in some instances. Most of the collars run on solar power, which is obviously going to be problematic in some locations and during certain times of the year.

Nofence is one of the first companies that piloted its VF technology in the US. Others that have been trialing systems with ranchers across the country include Vence, eShepherd, and Corral Technologies.

In anticipation of the domestic availability of VF technology, NRCS implemented new payment scenarios to support producers in purchasing VF equipment, establishing grazing plans, and implementing VF. Interested producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA service office as soon as possible.  Our understanding is that the first round applications may be due by the end of November, with approved contracts funded in March 2025. Please confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office. USDA has more information about virtual fencing and funding opportunities HERE.