Virtual Fence Tech Helps Farmers Manage Grazing Easily

By Blake Jackson

Farmers and livestock producers can now learn how to manage grazing more efficiently without building physical fences, thanks to a free webinar series hosted by the University of Missouri. The sessions will introduce participants to virtual fencing—an emerging technology that uses GPS collars to control livestock movement.

“Virtual fencing offers producers the flexibility to manage grazing with precision, without the need for physical interior infrastructure,” said Kaitlyn Dozler, virtual fence program manager for University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture.

The technology works like a fitness tracker worn by people. A sensor is attached to the cow, and it tracks the animal’s movement in real time. Data is sent directly to the farmer’s phone, helping manage the livestock without physical barriers.

The five-part webinar series will cover:

• June 27: Basics of virtual fencing
• July 25: Grazing on cropland
• August 29: Intensive grazing on perennial systems
• September 26: Nutrient management in pastures
• October 24: A joint session for producers and technology providers

“We encourage livestock producers who are looking to enhance their grazing systems to attend this webinar and learn about virtual fence opportunities,” said Chrisee Brandl, MU Extension livestock specialist. “This emerging technology can be a great tool in rotational grazing systems.”

The series also highlights how virtual fencing can help use cropland more efficiently. “Because cover crops and/or crop residues are only available for a limited time of the year, they need to be well managed to get the most out of them. With virtual fence technology, it has never been easier to implement grazing strategies to increase the carrying capacity of these temporary forages,” saidMU Extension livestock specialist Shelby Jenkins.

This series is sponsored by MU Extension, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture, the Fertilizer Control Board, and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

For more details and to register, visit the MU Extension website or contact:

• Chrisee Brandl: 573-642-0755
• Shelby Jenkins: 816-776-6961
• Kaitlyn Dozler or Matthew Jenkins through the MU Extension Center

This webinar can be a helpful step for producers wanting to modernize their grazing systems.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri