Key Takeaways:
- Virtual fencing has been legalized in New South Wales, allowing farmers to move or confine livestock without physical fences or gates.
- The technology uses collars that send out noises and electric pulses to keep animals within designated areas, with boundaries and data accessible through a mobile app.
- Farmers can expect cost savings, with estimated first-year costs comparable to annual fencing budgets and reduced costs thereafter.
- Virtual fencing has been successfully used in other states, with some farmers reporting significant cost savings and improved animal management.
- Concerns remain about the technology’s reliability, maintenance, and performance during emergencies.
Introduction to Virtual Fencing
Virtual fencing has been legalized in New South Wales, with users of the technology already labeling it a "lifesaver." This innovative approach to livestock management allows farmers to move or confine animals without the need for physical fences or gates. The technology involves the use of a collar on livestock that sends out noises and an electric pulse if an animal leaves the designated area. Farmers can change the boundaries and check in on an animal’s individual data on a mobile app. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way farmers manage their livestock, and its legalization in New South Wales is a significant step forward.
Cost and Affordability
One of the primary concerns for farmers considering virtual fencing is the cost. The collars, which can cost several hundred dollars per cow, are a significant investment. Additionally, towers are needed on properties for farmers to set up their virtual fences, with one provider’s towers costing around $6,000 each. The systems are then controlled via an app, which is charged at about $2 to $2.50 per cow per month. For farmers like Angus McIntosh, who operates roughly 2,000 sheep and 100 cows on 1,400 hectares of grazing land, the cost is a major factor in deciding whether to adopt the technology. However, the potential cost savings and improved animal management may make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
How the Technology Works
The virtual fencing technology is often described as an "Apple Watch for cows." The solar-powered collars monitor animals as well as control their movements, providing farmers with valuable information on health problems, fertility indicators, and other important data. The technology involves the installation of a tower on the property that connects to the individual farmer’s internet or telephone service, providing a backup in case of a fault. The collars use satellite navigation, which is more consistent and reliable than mobile phone signals, especially in rural areas with poor connectivity. This technology has the potential to greatly improve animal management and reduce the workload for farmers.
Adoption and Effectiveness
Virtual fencing is already being used in other states, with around 23% of Tasmania’s dairy herd using the technology. However, the take-up in the beef sector may be slower due to the larger areas and number of animals involved. Despite this, the technology has been successfully used on large ranches in Montana and Texas, demonstrating its potential for use on extensive grazing properties. The cost savings and improved animal management reported by farmers in other states are significant, with one farmer in Tasmania reporting a reduction in fuel bills from $1,000 to $100 per month. This technology has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and productivity of farming operations.
Emergency Performance
One of the concerns about virtual fencing is its performance during emergencies like bushfires and flooding. However, the technology has been tested in severe storms in Tasmania, and farmers were able to move their animals remotely without putting staff in danger. The use of satellite navigation provides a more reliable and consistent signal, reducing the risk of technology failure during emergencies. While there are still concerns about the technology’s reliability and maintenance, the potential benefits of virtual fencing make it an exciting development for the farming industry.
Conclusion
The legalization of virtual fencing in New South Wales is a significant step forward for the farming industry. The technology has the potential to greatly improve animal management, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. While there are still concerns about the cost, reliability, and performance during emergencies, the benefits of virtual fencing make it an exciting development for farmers. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, it is likely to become an increasingly important tool for farmers in New South Wales and beyond. With its potential to revolutionize the way farmers manage their livestock, virtual fencing is an innovation that is worth watching in the years to come.