A red angus cow wearing an ear tag and a chain link virtual fence collar with a gray battery attached. There is green pasture in the background.
At AgNext, we are working to find sustainable solutions in many areas of animal agriculture including grazing and rangeland management. Virtual fence has emerged as a digital alternative to physical fence lines for cattle management.

What is Virtual Fence?

Virtual fencing is a technology that allows producers to manage livestock without physical fences. Each animal wears a fitted collar with a battery-powered device. Collars are customized to fit each animal’s neck size for comfort and effectiveness (learn more about collar fit in this fact sheet). Solar-powered base stations placed in the grazing area connect the collars to a phone or computer. 

Producers set virtual fence lines remotely. These boundaries are transmitted to the collars, which deliver a mild stimulus when animals approach the edge—keeping them within the designated area.

Virtual Fence Defined by Anna Shadbolt: