Virtual fencing: Farming into the future
Virtual fencing is one of the fastest-growing innovations in animal agriculture. While a relatively small portion of producers utilize it currently, programs like the University of Nebraska’s and University of Missouri’s Heartland Virtual Fence Project are making the technology more widely available. The program, which is geared toward ranchers in Nebraska and Missouri, is a cost-share program that helps producers implement virtual fencing and adaptive grazing management techniques. Marissa Eekhoff, UNL’s Virtual Fence Program field specialist, is excited about the buzz the program is stirring up around virtual fencing.
The greatest boon of the program helps producers overcome what Eekhoff believes to be the biggest hurdle when transitioning to a virtual fencing system: upfront cost. Virtual fencing requires a heavy initial investment, along with monthly or annual subscriptions. In the first year of using virtual fencing, producers can face expenses in excess of $30,000. Eekhoff estimated that a producer without assistance would need to set aside around $300 per animal in upfront costs, in addition to subscription fees ranging from $24 to $46 per month. Some companies allow producers to rent collars rather than purchasing them outright, but they’re in the minority of virtual fence businesses currently. “Upfront cost can be a great hurdle,” she said. Fortunately, programs like the Heartland Virtual Fence Project can help producers utilize the technology more affordably.
THE HEARTLAND PROGRAM
Producers interested in trying virtual fencing can apply for the Heartland program, which is currently accepting applications. All applications have to go through a screening process to determine eligibility. This is based on factors such as herd size, the number of acres being enrolled in the virtual fence program, and willingness and ability to implement virtual fencing and other adaptive grazing management techniques. If they are accepted into the program, producers will sign a contract with Cultivo, one of the partners of the project and receive a $2,500 sign-on bonus. They will then determine what company to purchase virtual fence collars from. Eekhoff shared that there is no preference within the program, but that producers must evaluate many factors to determine which company is right for them. “There is no specific company that’s right for every single producer,” she said, explaining that producers need to look at ease of use of the virtual application each company uses, connectivity type, herd size and acreage.
For example, virtual collars use one of three types of connectivity: satellite, cellular and tower-based. A rancher with poor cellular service on their ranch should probably choose a different connectivity method, and a rancher with rough terrain probably wouldn’t meet much success with a tower-based company. As a general rule, though, Eekhoff shared that tower-based systems are fading from popularity as more and more producers choose satellite connectivity. As far as herd size goes, many virtual fence companies offer either a reduced collar price or a reduced subscription fee for producers with larger herds to enroll in their services. Some companies also specify a minimum acreage they will provide service for.
In addition to all this, producers need to keep in mind the specific services each company provides. “One of the biggest benefits of using virtual fence is that a lot of the companies are rolling out new features on a monthly basis within their apps that allow you to do and visualize a number of different things,” Eekhoff said. Collars can provide producers with information on boundary interactions, activity alerts, location, and even tell producers when their animal is in heat or calving. Every company offers different benefits for producers, but overall Eekhoff believes that these features are a great asset for livestock owners. “I would say that those things are very helpful in terms of peace of mind,” she said. “They can prioritize where they need to be and which animals they need to check.”
THE COLLARS
Back to the program itself, once producers choose a company they have to order between 25 and 500 collars, which typically range from $250 to $350 apiece. Members of the Heartland Virtual Fence Project will be refunded $100 for each collar ordered. After implementing the virtual fencing on their ranch, producers will fill out an annual report for the sponsors of the program to evaluate its success. They can also receive a $2 bonus for every acre enrolled in the program. This reimbursement helps make virtual fencing vastly more affordable for the average producer, a fact Eekhoff and the rest of the team celebrates. “I think this program is great because it allows producers to use virtual fencing without fighting the upfront capital cost,” she shared.
This helps more producers unlock the benefits that virtual fencing can provide, from more targeted grazing management to peace of mind. Eekhoff views the remote management as one of the greatest benefits of the technology. She said, “Producers have peace of mind because you know where your cattle are at all times.” It allows livestock owners to check and move stock remotely, freeing up time for other projects. She said that many producers simply aren’t aware of the benefits virtual fencing can provide for them and their lifestyle, but that the Heartland program is hoping to change that. “Its primary goal is to get producers exposed to virtual fencing and have them have the opportunity to use that technology for a lower price, but also to help with implementing improved grazing practices,” she said.
While an exciting opportunity, virtual fencing isn’t for everyone. Eekhoff listed some key considerations producers need to keep in mind when evaluating whether to give virtual fences a try. First, and most important, is whether they can withstand the upfront capital cost. While programs like the Heartland Virtual Fence Project help make the technology more affordable, virtual fences are still a hefty investment that producers need to be sure they’ll see a return on. Producers also need to consider whether they’re open to experimenting with more tech-savvy and adaptive grazing management techniques, as well as whether their operation is suited to the task.
While this technology may sound intimidating, virtual fencing is quickly gaining popularity and providing more opportunities for producers worldwide. Fortunately, organizations such as UNL and the University of Missouri serve as great resources for producers to gain more information about the technology.