Key Takeaways:
- Virtual fencing technology has been legalized in South Australia, allowing farmers to move livestock remotely via electronic collars.
- The technology can help reduce the demand for physical fencing on farms and prevent animals from becoming trapped in natural disasters.
- Virtual fencing can be controlled using a phone, giving farmers flexibility and improving the way they manage stock and land.
- The technology is expected to be rolled out in 2026, with several businesses already working with the state government to obtain permits.
- Farmers are enthusiastic about the transition to virtual fencing, citing benefits such as reduced capital and labor costs, improved land management, and increased safety for both humans and animals.
Introduction to Virtual Fencing
The state of South Australia has recently legalized virtual fencing, a technology that allows farmers to move livestock remotely via electronic collars. This innovation is expected to revolutionize the way farmers manage their livestock, particularly in emergency situations such as bushfires. With virtual fencing, farmers can guide animals out of danger and prevent them from becoming trapped, reducing the risk of injury or death. The technology has been welcomed by Livestock SA, which expects strong demand from primary producers to transition to virtual fencing.
Benefits of Virtual Fencing
The benefits of virtual fencing are numerous and multifaceted. According to Livestock SA chief executive officer Travis Tobin, the technology can help reduce capital and labor costs associated with physical fencing. Virtual fencing also enables farmers to improve the way they manage stock and land, allowing for more efficient use of resources. In the event of a natural disaster, virtual fencing provides an added layer of flexibility, enabling farmers to quickly and easily move their livestock to safer ground. This can help prevent the loss of kilometers of fence lines and reduce the risk of animal entrapment.
How Virtual Fencing Works
Virtual fencing works by using electronic collars that can be controlled remotely using a phone. Farmers can use the technology to move their animals from one area to another, or to prevent them from entering certain areas. The collars can also be remotely disabled, allowing animals to move freely. This technology has been likened to an "Apple Watch for cows," providing farmers with a hands-off option for managing their livestock. Businesses such as Halter are already working with the state government to obtain permits to sell and install virtual fencing equipment in South Australia.
Industry Response to Virtual Fencing
The response to virtual fencing from the agricultural industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Many farmers have been waiting for the technology to be legalized in South Australia, and are eager to transition to virtual fencing. Adam Mann, co-manager of Donovan’s Dairy in the South East, has been advocating for virtual fencing throughout the year and is excited to start using the technology on his farm. "It’s nice to be on an even playing field with the rest of the states," he said. "We’ll be trying to get it on as soon as possible, early 2026 will be a pretty good goal for us." Other farmers have also expressed enthusiasm for the technology, citing benefits such as reduced costs, improved land management, and increased safety for both humans and animals.
Rollout and Implementation
The rollout of virtual fencing in South Australia is expected to begin in 2026, with several businesses already working with the state government to obtain permits. Halter is one of the companies that will be applying for a permit to sell and install virtual fencing equipment in the state. The company’s director of strategic relations, Brent Thomas, said that the benefits of virtual fencing surpass day-to-day operations, and can help protect human and animal lives in emergency situations. "In traditional farming systems, you’ve got to staff out … and it can be quite risky," he said. "With this technology, farmers are able with the palm of their hand, to move their cattle to safer ground." As the technology becomes more widely available, it is likely to have a significant impact on the agricultural industry in South Australia, improving the way farmers manage their livestock and reducing the risk of injury or death in emergency situations.
Conclusion
The legalization of virtual fencing in South Australia is a significant development for the agricultural industry, providing farmers with a new and innovative way to manage their livestock. The technology has the potential to reduce costs, improve land management, and increase safety for both humans and animals. As the rollout of virtual fencing begins in 2026, it is likely to have a positive impact on the industry, and provide farmers with a valuable tool for managing their livestock in a safe and efficient manner. With its numerous benefits and potential for widespread adoption, virtual fencing is an exciting development that is likely to shape the future of agriculture in South Australia.