Virtual fence (VF) is currently a hot topic in rangeland management. This emerging precision livestock management technology has the potential to change grazing systems by allowing unprecedented impact over livestock distribution. The systems use 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. According to the VF vendors, all a rancher or land manager needs to do is buy a bunch of technology, put some necklaces on cows, and start managing cattle.
Right? Wrong. Very wrong. Virtual fence is significantly more complicated.
To help address VF complexities and challenges, the University of Arizona and the Virtual Fence Working Group teamed up with the Rangelands Partnership to create a digital Virtual Fence User Guide on Rangelands Gateway. The guide provides practical, unbiased, vendor-neutral, and realistic information about VF. Whether you’re a seasoned VF user or a curious prospective user, this guide has something for everyone.
The Virtual Fence User Guide includes:
- Factsheets: Read about VF basics, economics, geospatial data needs, strategies for putting devices on animals, animal welfare and training considerations, strategies for collar management, and challenges of adoption.
- Learning Modules: Watch the basic process of creating VF boundaries on a digital map and explore key considerations when placing VF boundaries.
- Setup for Success Videos: Listen to early adopters share their experiences and insights. Their stories, tips, and lessons learned offer invaluable insights for anyone considering this technology.
- Tools: Explore answers to frequently asked questions, cost calculators, vendor comparisons, instructions on how to build a DIY mobile base station, and geospatial databases.
- Webinars: View recordings and handouts on VF basics, vendor comparisons, and real-world applications, and economics.
Explore the Virtual Fence User Guide on Rangelands Gateway.
What all is in the guide? Preview the resources in the Virtual Fence User Guide.