By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension will host the next session of its Virtual Fence Foundations Webinar Series from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. This free program will focus on how virtual fencing technology can be applied to perennial pasture systems.
Chrisee Brandl, MU Extension livestock field specialist, will explain how GPS-enabled collars allow producers to guide livestock movements with precision.
The technology reduces overgrazing, improves pasture health, and eliminates the cost and labor of building traditional fences.
“This technology empowers producers to make real-time decisions that support both animal performance and long-term ecosystem health,” Brandl said.
Producers will also hear from Christine Mushrush of Mushrush Ranches in Kansas, who will share her firsthand experience with the system. “Virtual fence is giving us adaptability we didn’t have before,” Mushrush said.
“We already have a long list of things to try, from rehabbing damaged areas of pastures to creating burn areas and improving the forage utilization across our pastures.”
The series continues with two additional webinars: Sept. 26 on pasture nutrient management and Oct. 24 on producer and provider experiences with virtual fencing.
Participants may register online or reach out to Kaitlyn Dozler (308-370-1439, kaitlyn.dozler@missouri.edu), Chrisee Brandl (573-642-0755, chriseebrandl@missouri.edu), Shelby Jenkins (816-776-6961, shelbyjenkins@missouri.edu) , or Matthew Jenkins (mjenkins@mofcb.com) for more details.
Recordings of past sessions are available on YouTube under the Virtual Fence Foundations Playlist.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock