Currently, there is limited research quantifying the benefits of using VF for cattle ranching operations. This analysis relies on a series of hypothetical scenarios to account for differences across producers and how they might implement the technology in their operations. First, we estimate the conditions necessary for VF systems to break even each year, whether by avoiding physical fencing costs, time savings, or productivity gains. Then, under conservative assumptions about the benefits achieved using VF systems, we present a series of benefit-cost analyses of the technology for a representative ranch in Arizona. Finally, we contextualize these findings within a model of representative ranch costs and returns for different ranching regions within Arizona to consider the influence of market conditions on the feasibility of adopting VF.
Articles, citations, reports, websites, and multimedia resources focused on rangeland ecology, management, restoration, and other issues on American rangelands.