A new GPS-enabled livestock management system is offering cattle farmers an alternative to traditional fencing methods. Called eShepherd, the system uses solar-powered neckbands fitted on cattle to establish virtual boundaries without the need for physical fences. Farmers can create, adjust, and remove virtual paddocks remotely using a desktop or mobile interface, offering flexibility in managing grazing patterns and reducing labor.
Developed by Gallagher, eShepherd enables farmers to “draw” fence lines on a map, which are then recognized by the GPS neckbands worn by each animal. The neckbands emit audio cues as the animal nears a boundary. If the cue is ignored, a harmless electrical stimulus is delivered to encourage the animal to turn away. Over time, cattle learn to respond to the audio alone, reducing the need for stimulation.
According to Gallagher, the system is designed with animal welfare in mind. “Cattle are smart animals. Once trained, they respond predictably to audio cues, making the experience less stressful,” the company states on its website.
The system recently received several updates that improve its practicality and ease of use. One of the most significant changes is the addition of cellular connectivity in each neckband. Previous versions relied on a base station to relay data between the farmer’s device and the herd. Now, each neckband connects directly to local cellular networks, eliminating the need for a separate base station and reducing setup costs.
Another new feature is the ability to schedule herd movements in advance. Using the digital interface, a farmer can automate when the herd should be moved from one virtual paddock to another. This function supports rotational grazing practices, allowing farmers to optimize pasture use without needing to be physically present for each move.
Safety is also part of the system’s design. A built-in panic detection feature monitors animal behavior. If an animal bolts or shows signs of distress, the virtual barrier is temporarily disabled, allowing the animal to escape the area without restraint.
Several farms have already tested and adopted eShepherd. In Western Australia, Chilwell Farms used the system on 2,000 Angus cattle spread across 50,000 hectares. The setup allowed them to break down large paddocks into smaller grazing cells, improving pasture use and crop yields. “We’re seeing better grass recovery and improved control over the herd,” said one of the farm managers.
In Canada, Barrington Ranch implemented the system on rugged terrain, where traditional fencing is difficult and costly. The ability to shift cattle remotely, even in winter conditions, helped reduce labor needs and made grazing management more efficient. Similarly, South Canterbury dairy graziers in New Zealand reported better pasture utilization and fewer labor demands after integrating eShepherd into their operations.
The system’s ability to provide remote control over grazing patterns is particularly appealing to large-scale operations, where monitoring and moving herds over vast areas is time-consuming. With its virtual fencing approach, farmers can respond to environmental changes, pasture conditions, and herd health issues in real time without sending workers into the field.
While pricing details have not been publicly disclosed, Gallagher offers eShepherd through select pilot programs and direct inquiries. As connectivity and usability features continue to improve, the system could become a practical option for more livestock operations looking to improve efficiency without sacrificing animal welfare.
Source: Gallagher
