• The eShepherd fence may revolutionise farm fencing
There’s a new animal-friendly fencing system that enables livestock to be confined or moved without using fixed fences.
CSIRO's patented virtual fencing technology uses collars with coordinates, wireless technologies and sensors to control the location of livestock without the need for an actual fence.
Launched in May 2018 by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister the ‘fencing’ may remove the need to repair or build new fences.
A research and development project between Australia’s CSIRO and Agersons the product has been brought to market and is in this video eShepherd.
• eShepherd video
It works like this: the cattle wear a solar-powered collar that can be tracked by GPS using an App.
The user defines the location of the ‘fence’ anywhere that the farmer chooses, and then the app can send an audio message by the collar to the animals if they approach a ‘fence’. If the cattle ignore the message they receive a small electric shock (much smaller than an electric fence).
It takes about two days for the cattle to learn where the fence is.
Potential uses or impacts of the fence include:
• Protecting creeks, vegetation;
• Locating animals and their numbers and habits;
• Locating where water may be needed;
• Letting a manager know if an animal dies or needs assistance;
• Reduced stock management on foot or bike or horse or helicopter.
Costs are said to be “already reasonable’ and may be expected to go down with sales.
Fingers crossed . . .