Virtual fencing is launched in QLD

FARMERS across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and the UK will soon be using world-first virtual fencing technology.

The eShepherd technology by agritech start-up Agersens allows a farmer to create a virtual fence and remotely monitor, muster and move cattle, using a smart phone, tablet or computer.

Just like a traditional fence, a virtual fence is used to control the location of livestock and has huge potential for beef and dairy herds.

The system uses patented training software developed by the CSIRO in 2005 and a GPS-enabled, solar-powered smart collar containing a CSIRO training program to train the animal to stay within the virtual boundary when it hears an audio cue.

The audio cue is followed by a small electric pulse if the animal continues in the wrong direction.

With the eShepherd officially launched in May, Agersens chief executive Ian Reilly said they had received a lot of orders around the world but were focusing on rolling the product out commercially in Queensland first.

“We are launching in Queensland because other states currently have animal-welfare regulations preventing us to sell to them, but it is something we are working on with the states to change,” Mr Reilly said.

He said benefits of the eShepherd include optimising grazing by being able to automate rotational, cell or strip grazing and avoid overgrazing, increase pasture utilisation and cut costs on traditional fencing.

“It also provides the ability to muster animals over a slow period of time which can reduce labour costs, reduce the need for aircraft and vehicles and make sure they recover collared animals.”

The technology also means stock can be monitored remotely, including animals’ location and status.