Caitlin Barnett · Regional Lead, Australasia, eShepherd Environment Canterbury has shared results from a virtual fencing trial on Banks Peninsula, run in partnership with Gallagher.
Around 100 cattle on Ian Lloyd's 160-hectare Le Bons Bay farm are wearing eShepherd neckbands as part of the trial, which is exploring whether virtual fencing can protect sensitive springhead wetlands on terrain too steep and rocky for conventional fencing.
Ian says the technology has changed how he farms. He knows where his stock are at all times, can shift mobs remotely without leaving any behind, and is growing and utilising more grass through better grazing control. He's also keeping cattle out of wet areas he'd never have fenced conventionally - with clear benefits for waterways.
His verdict when asked if he'd recommend it? "Too right."
Read the full story on the Environment Canterbury website: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2026/from-curious-to-convinced-virtual-fencing-trial-on-banks-peninsula
