Virtual Fencing Expands for Cattle Producers in Midwest

By Blake Jackson

The University of Missouri is expanding the use of virtual fencing, an advanced technology that is drawing strong interest from livestock producers and policymakers.

Supported by a $3.7 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Mizzou’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture plans to equip cattle across Missouri and Nebraska with GPS-enabled collars, helping producers reduce labor and improve efficiency.

Virtual fencing systems use collars that guide cattle with a series of cues, allowing producers to create and adjust grazing boundaries digitally through a mobile app or computer. This eliminates the need to frequently install and move physical fences, saving both time and effort.

“Not only are we giving producers time back in their day by eliminating the time- and labor-intensive process of constantly moving interior fences, but we are also helping them be good stewards of the land by improving the sustainability and profitability of beef production,” Rob Myers, the center’s director, said.

“I heard from one producer who is getting nearly double the value from each acre of land after switching to virtual fencing because his cattle are now eating all the cover crops in one field before moving on to the next field. He loves redrawing the boundaries on his phone.”

The initiative builds on earlier trials involving five Missouri producers and will now expand to 200 producers managing about 150,000 acres across Missouri and Nebraska.

Funding is part of a broader $32.8 million investment through the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative.

In addition to fencing technology, the program supports improved water systems and the introduction of native forages to enhance sustainability.

“The grass in most Missouri pastures is tall fescue, which is not native to the U.S.,” Myers, an extension professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said. “So, by having native plants also be part of livestock grazing, that extends the grazing season, and it’s great for soil health and wildlife.”

Reflecting on his background, Myers said, “As a boy, I remember seeing the positive impact cover crops had on soil health, which sparked my interest in regenerative agriculture.”

Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf