Virtual Fencing Information
Overview of Virtual Fencing
Virtual fence (VF) is a precision livestock management tool that creates an enclosure, barrier, or boundary without a physical fence. VF allows real-time automation of grazing management from a smartphone or computer. Livestock are fit with a collar that generates audio warnings and electrical stimuli.
GPS in the collar continuously tracks animal position and checks this against the virtual boundaries set by the producer. As an animal approaches the boundary, a series of audio warnings are delivered. If the animal does not turn away, the collar delivers an electrical pulse.
VF aids in the adoption of regenerative grazing. This technology can be applied in many different management scenarios:
- Rotational grazing
- Bale grazing
- Cover crop grazing on row crop acres
- CRP grazing
- Grassed waterways and ditches
- Weed control
- Woodlands, silvopasture
- Public land grazing
- River corridors and floodplains
- Reduce fuel loads for wildfire mitigation
- Post-fire grazing
- Solar grazing
Reference: Goliński P, Sobolewska P, Stefańska B, Golińska B. Virtual Fencing Technology for Cattle Management in the Pasture Feeding System—A Review. Agriculture. 2023; 13(1):91. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010091
Resources
An interactive tool that helps producers estimate the return on adopting virtual fencing collars — also embedded on the program webpage.
This tool allows users to compare the cost of every virtual fence supplier in the U.S. as well as the cost of physical fence.
Use this graphic to help you decide if virtual fencing is a good option for you.
This selection of research articles is designed to offer information on the benefits and efficacy of using virtual fence collars.
This online tool/app can be used to calcuate the available forage in a cover crop and the amount of space needed for your livestock to graze.
This worksheet can be used to calculate the available forage in a pasture and the amount of space needed for your livestock to graze.
Registration Open for 2026 Soil Health Schools!
The Coalition will host two Soil Health Schools in 2026! The West River Soil Health School is set for June 24-25 near Caputa, SD, and the South Dakota Soil Health School is set for Sept. 15-17 near Twin Brooks and Marvin, SD. These events are designed for agricultural producers as well as anyone with an interest in learning how to manage soils for resiliency and profit. The agenda features classroom style presentations by producers and technical experts from across the state and region, as well as hands-on experiences in the field. Area producers will share their challenges and successes with various methods for improving soil health, to an average class size of 30-40. Registration is open, so check out our events page to learn more!
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