New Tech Aims to Improve Sheep and Goat Grazing

By Blake Jackson

Lincoln University of Missouri has begun testing virtual fencing technology as part of an effort to improve livestock management and evaluate its practicality for small ruminant production.

The project, launched in March, uses solar-powered collars and specialized software to create digital pasture boundaries without the need for traditional fencing.

The collars, developed by Nofence, are worn around the animals’ necks and communicate with a mobile app that allows farm staff to monitor livestock and set grazing limits.

When animals approach a boundary, the collars emit warning sounds, followed by a mild electric stimulus if the animal continues forward.

“Virtual fencing is a topic that’s creating a lot of buzz in the livestock world right now,” said Chris Boeckmann, superintendent of LU’s farms.

“However, there are also a lot of questions and reservations about the technology. Ultimately, producers want to know what the technology has to offer in terms of pasture management and profitability.”

The trial began at the George Washington Carver Farm, where a small group of sheep was fitted with collars. The university plans to expand the system to all 550 sheep and goats across its farms. Boeckmann noted that cattle may also be included in a future phase.

“As a land-grant institution, I believe our role is to help producers get answers and to demonstrate the technology in action,” Boeckmann said.

“Since we are the lead institution for small ruminant production in Missouri, it seemed logical to incorporate the technology into our pasture management systems for small ruminants.”

Virtual fencing offers potential benefits such as improved rotational grazing and reduced labor. “I’m confident virtual fencing will enhance our ability to better manage forages on Lincoln’s farms while also saving labor related to our historic use of polywire in our rotational grazing system,” Boeckmann said.

Photo Credit: pexels-pavel-bondarenko