Producers Can Compare Key Features Before Choosing Virtual Fencing Technology
Virtual fencing is giving livestock producers another way to manage cattle without building extensive interior fences. The technology uses collars and digital boundaries to control where cattle graze while giving producers additional tools to monitor their herds.
Researchers and specialists with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln evaluated several factors producers should consider when selecting a virtual fencing system. Marissa Eekhoff, Virtual Fence Program Field Specialist, Yijie Xiong, Nebraska Extension Specialist in Precision Livestock Management, Mitch Stephenson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Range Management Specialist, and Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist, contributed their expertise to the evaluation.
Understand the Communication Technology
Virtual fencing systems generally rely on one of three communication methods: local base stations, cellular networks, or satellite communication.
Base-station systems send radio signals from a stationary base station to cattle collars. These systems can work well across large, connected grazing areas. eShepherd and Vence use base-station communication.
Depending on terrain and placement, a properly positioned base station can cover approximately 2,000 to 10,000 acres. Trees, hills, land shape, and the station's location can affect the actual coverage. Producers managing separate properties may need multiple base stations.
Cellular systems can provide greater flexibility because producers do not need to install a base station at every grazing location. This can benefit operations using leased land, crop residue, annual forages, or multiple separate pastures.
eShepherd, Monil, and Nofence use cellular communication. These systems can work across multiple major cellular providers and switch between networks. However, communication may be delayed where cellular coverage is weak.
Halter uses satellite communication, which can be an option for producers working in areas with limited or unavailable cellular service.
Match the System to Pasture Size
The size of the grazing area should also be part of the decision. Producers using intensive grazing practices should determine how small a virtual pasture or grazing allocation each system can establish.
Nofence, eShepherd, Monil, and Halter can create grazing areas of approximately one-half acre or less. Smaller allocations can give producers greater flexibility when moving cattle more frequently.
Vence is geared more toward larger and extensive grazing operations and lists a minimum pasture size of 200 acres.
Producers should also check the maximum acreage supported by a system. Nofence lists a maximum of 25,000 acres. A system that does not publish a maximum acreage limit should not automatically be considered capable of unlimited coverage.
Consider Collar Batteries and Maintenance
Collar maintenance is another consideration. Most virtual fencing collars use solar power to help maintain battery levels while cattle are outdoors. Producers should make sure collars have adequate charge before placing them on animals.
Heavy tree shade can reduce solar charging and may require producers to provide additional charging. Some virtual fencing companies offer chargers for their collars.
Vence uses a lithium-ion battery rather than a solar-powered battery. Depending on how often cattle interact with virtual boundaries, its battery may need to be replaced every three months to one year.
Livestock that frequently interact with virtual boundaries may use more battery power, increasing maintenance requirements.
Look at Monitoring Features
Virtual fencing systems can provide information beyond the location of digital boundaries. Many platforms display cattle positions on maps and offer heat maps showing where animals spend the most time.
This information can help producers identify areas receiving heavy grazing as well as portions of a pasture that cattle are using less frequently. Producers can use those observations to adjust grazing allocations and improve pasture utilization.
Systems can also provide alerts for situations such as cattle remaining inactive for a specific period, leaving a virtual boundary, returning to a boundary area, or having a collar with a low battery.
These alerts can help producers determine which animals may need attention. However, an inactivity alert does not establish that an animal is sick or identify the reason the animal has stopped moving.
Companies are also working on technology that could potentially provide breeding and calving alerts in the future.
Compare the Complete Cost
Producers should look beyond the initial price when comparing virtual fencing systems. Companies generally use either a collar purchase model or a leasing model, and both approaches commonly involve ongoing subscription charges for software, communication, or data services.
eShepherd, Monil, and Nofence offer collars for purchase. Ownership may allow producers to retain the equipment and potentially sell it later.
Collar prices can vary according to the quantity purchased, and minimum purchase requirements differ among companies. These requirements can affect whether a system is practical for smaller herds.
Vence and Halter provide collars through leasing arrangements. Leasing can reduce certain maintenance and replacement responsibilities, although contracts and minimum collar requirements may apply.
When comparing systems, producers should calculate the complete cost. This may include collars, subscriptions, base stations, batteries, maintenance, and contract requirements.
Test the System Before Choosing
Ease of use can make a significant difference in daily grazing management. Some virtual fencing platforms allow producers to create and adjust boundaries using a cellphone, while others rely more heavily on computers.
Producers should request a demonstration before making a decision. A demonstration can show how to create a pasture, adjust a boundary, find cattle, and review system alerts.
Every farm is different so there is no best solution, just a solution that is best for your farming operation.
Photo Credit: eShepherd/Gallagher Animal Management