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Virtual fence (VF) has the potential to revolutionize grazing systems by allowing dynamic control of livestock distribution and duration. The system uses invisible barriers, established by Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, to influence livestock movement with a combination of auditory and electrical cues without a physical fence. However, it can be also be complicated and expensive.
This digital guide was created to empowers ranchers and land managers to effectively evaluate and use VF for improved rangeland management. Explore the foundations of VF factsheets, watch the videos, access geospatial resources, and explore handouts from workshops and webinars to better understand a VF system.
Foundations of VF
- Virtual fence (VF) is an emerging precision livestock management tool with multiple interconnected components.
- Virtual fence lines are created in VF software, which requires a digital map of an entire ranch or land management area.
- How livestock recognize and interpret the auditory and electrical cues can limit potential risks for animal health and welfare.
Battery life, collar disposal, strategies for collection in the field, and data organization.
- Special consideration is needed when training livestock, designing fences, managing incentives, and gathering livestock.
Economic Viability of VF
[in progress] Examining the costs and benefits of adopting a VF system in a cow-calf operation under different vendors and conditions.
Fundamentals of Collar Deployment
[in review] Equipment needed, strategies for proper fit, and safety when placing virtual fence collars on livestock.
- Concise answers to common questions asked by people interested in virtual fence.
Tools
- Concise answers to common questions asked by people interested in virtual fence systems.
- Compare the cost of VF systems and physical fence in different scenarios.
- How to convert a stationary base station into a mobile base station.
- Plot the best location for a single base station. Requires ArcGIS Pro with the Spatial Analyst extension enabled.
- The Arizona Geographic Information Council curates GIS data resources for Arizona and other western states.
- The U.S. Forest Service maintains digital rangeland data on boundaries, natural resources, and more.
- The Bureau of Land Management shares geographic data and content that can be downloaded.
- Explore the boundaries of virtual fencing with handouts and presentations from the 3-part workshop series.
- Access journal articles on virtual fence in Zotero, an open source reference management tool
Featured Resources From the Database
- Journal Issue/Article
Virtual fence (VF) is the use of a global positioning system (GPS) to dictate where on the landscape livestock can graze without relying on traditional physical fence such as…
- Journal Issue/Article
Virtual fencing is a method of controlling animals without ground-based fencing. Control occurs by altering an animal's behaviour through one or more sensory cues administered…
- Technical Report
This fact sheet provides a basic understanding of virtual fencing technology and how it may be used to manage grazing livestock. Virtual fence technology research and development…
