VIRTUAL FENCING TRIAL SHOWS PROMISE

A cow wearing a virtual fencing collar. IMAGE: Halter

A virtual fencing trial in southern New South Wales is showing potential to improve livestock management and reduce reliance on traditional fencing.

The Charles Sturt University trial at the Global Digital Farm in Wagga Wagga is testing the technology on 50 Black Angus cattle, using GPS-defined boundaries and electronic neckbands to control grazing areas remotely.

Virtual stock fencing was legalised in NSW late last year, allowing field trials to begin.

Researchers say the cattle are rapidly learning the system’s audio cues, with about 97 per cent of interactions now resolved by audio alone, compared with around 60 per cent initially.

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says the technology could improve productivity and animal welfare, while giving producers greater flexibility over grazing.

“Virtual fencing has the potential to be a game-changer for livestock producers across NSW,” Minister Moriarty says.

The trial will run until 2028, with a second phase planned on a commercial beef property near Jingellic.