Livestock producers interested in virtual fencing systems have the chance next month to see the practice in application, thanks to a bus tour sponsored by the University of Nebraska, Iowa State University, and virtual fencing providers.
The bus tour on June 16 and 17 starts in Lincoln, and then takes producers to ranches in Missouri and Iowa which use different virtual fencing systems. The Rolling Prairie Ranch in Hatfield, Missouri uses a halter system, while the Mud Ridge Ranch in Red Oak, Iowa uses the Nofence system. The second day of the bus tour heads to Mead and the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center for discussions on grazing research, lunch and a panel discussion.
Currently, there are four main companies that specialize in virtual fencing. All of the systems use collars to track the location of their animals. Producers can set the boundaries of where they would like livestock to graze, and the collars use multiple behavioral efforts to guide animals to specific grazing areas before the collar gives an electric pulse, like an electric trip fence.
Virtual fencing companies operate in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Two of the larger virtual fencing companies, Halter and eShepherd, are based out of New Zealand. Nofence originates from Norway.
Merck Animal Health’s Vence product boasts over 250 ranches in the United States, including 106 ranches in Colorado, 14 in Wyoming, 7 in Nebraska, and 4 ranches each in South Dakota and Kansas.
The program is hosted by University of Nebraska and Iowa State University, and is partially sponsored by the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council and virtual fencing companies Halter, Nofence, and Gallagher.
The registration deadline for the tour is June 9th, with a $200 fee for the transportation, lodging, and meals. You can register at this link (click/tap).
Tour Agenda
Day 1 – June 16 (Producer Site Demonstrations)
6:45 am pick up from Lancaster County Extension Office, Lincoln, NE
10:00 am: Rolling Prairie Ranch, Hatfield, MO → Halter system
3:00 pm: Mud Ridge Ranch, Red Oak, IA → Nofence system
Dinner and overnight stay in Lincoln, NE
Day 2 – June 17 (Research & Application)
9:00 am: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), Mead, NE
eShepherd/Gallagher and Halter systems
Discussions on VF grazing research
11:30 am: Lunch and panel discussion with researchers and industry representatives
1:00 pm: Adjourn