Virtual Fencing Expands as Halter Adds Satellite Connectivity
A major shift in cattle management is making waves, and it could have big implications for the West. Halter, a New Zealand based ag tech company, is expanding its reach with a new satellite powered system for virtual fencing.
Virtual fencing uses smart collars to guide cattle without physical barriers. The collars work similar to training collars many pet owners know, using sound cues, gentle vibration, or a brief, low level pulse to keep animals within a set boundary.
Until now, Halter’s solar powered, GPS enabled collars relied on the company’s own long range radio towers to stay connected.
Now, Halter is linking those collars directly to satellites through Starlink, eliminating the need for cell service or tower infrastructure.
That means ranchers can manage cattle across rugged, remote terrain with real time data, even in places that have been off the grid.
For California producers, this could mean more flexibility, fewer physical fences, and lower labor demands.
Competitors in virtual fencing include Vence, eShepherd, and NoFence, all of which have teams working to stay on the cutting edge of this rapidly evolving technology.
