Virtual Fencing: A New Tool for Livestock and Land Management 

Virtual fencing (VF) is a precision agriculture tool gaining traction across California’s diverse rangelands. It uses GPS collars to contain livestock without physical fences. Producers set virtual boundaries across their pasture from a computer, which are transmitted to the collars. When an animal approaches the boundary, the collar emits audio cues and, if needed, mild electric pulses to keep the animal within the boundary.

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While not a replacement for a secure perimeter fence, VF can help position animals across a landscape with more intention and precision than traditional fencing. VF can be adjusted in minutes to meet the changing needs of livestock producers and range conservationists alike. 

Applications include:

• Targeted grazing to control invasive weeds
• Installing fuel breaks to reduce wildfire risk
• Automated rotational grazing
• Excluding livestock from sensitive areas
• Real-time livestock location tracking
 

With NRCS funding, the UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra is researching VF applications on California rangelands. 

Contact Brian Allen (brallen@ucanr.edu) or visit our website to learn more!