Virtual Fencing As a Pasture Management Tool

A virtual fencing technology company called Halter is giving cattle producers a new way to manage their feed lots remotely. Colorado Territory Manager Elena Chavez says the technology is like having an extra set of hands on the ranch.

“So you might have seen recently in the news that we just went direct to satellite, so that pretty much opens up all the Mountain West. Our flagship product, which used base stations or towers, was great, where the topography was flat, and you know the ranches were a bit smaller, but as you know, most folks in the Mountain West, especially, have very large ranges, very challenging terrain, and so this new direct-to-satellite technology has pretty much opened up the market for all the folks in the mountains and elsewhere that would like to use virtual fencing, but have been a bit hindered by the technology.”

She points out that the colors remain on the animal for life, and they are a pasture management tool.

“I will say virtual fencing is not a replacement for perimeter fence, but it is a pasture management tool.

Chavez adds that when producers can see exactly where their animals are, it equates to shortening the gathering time.”

Happy Memorial Day with today's Line on Agriculture report. I'm Lorrie Boyer for the Ag Information Network.