Vermont farmers are embracing a new era of livestock management by piloting virtual fencing technology with e collars that replaces traditional posts and wire with GPS-enabled electric collars and smartphone apps. The technology, called Nofence, allows farmers to create virtual boundaries for their herds, saving time and resources while potentially enhancing environmental sustainability.
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The project, led by the Agritech Institute for Small Farms, is being tested on five cattle farms and four vegetation management projects across the state. While the technology offers promising benefits, it also raises questions about cost, accessibility, and long-term viability.
How Virtual Fencing Technology with E Collars Works?
Nofence uses GPS and mobile networks to establish virtual boundaries that are communicated to animals through their collars. As livestock approach the invisible fence line, the collars emit a series of audio cues, culminating in a mild electric pulse if the animal crosses the boundary. Over time, animals learn to associate the tones with the boundary and avoid the electric pulse.
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“It’s a mild but effective way to train livestock to respect boundaries,” according to Nofence Program Manager Meghan Filbert. Farmers can move the fence line via a smartphone app, offering unprecedented flexibility in managing herds.
Revolutionizing Livestock Management
Farmers involved in the pilot program are already seeing significant advantages.
Saving Time and Labor
- Sam Dixon, farm manager at Shelburne Farms, reported that his sheep took just an hour to adapt to the collars. Since implementing the system, he has saved both time and money by eliminating the need for manual fence adjustments and repairs.
- Ben Nottermann, co-owner of Snug Valley Farm in East Hardwick, estimates he saves at least 45 minutes daily by managing his cattle’s movements through the app. Over a 200-day grazing season, he says the system “pays for itself” in labor cost savings.
Emergency Response
The technology proved invaluable during Vermont’s historic floods last July. Nottermann was separated from his herd for five days but used the app to move the virtual fence away from flooded areas and track each cow’s location. “It was a lifesaver,” he said.
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Beyond Agriculture: Vegetation Management
The program isn’t limited to traditional farms. Four non-agricultural sites are using Nofence to contain sheep and goats in areas like solar arrays and ski trails. These animals help manage vegetation by trimming grass and plants, offering an eco-friendly alternative to mechanical or chemical maintenance.
Environmental Benefits of Virtual Fencing
The technology aligns with sustainability goals by promoting better pasture management.
Improved Pasture Quality
Rotational grazing, facilitated by virtual fences, allows pastures to recover between uses. Healthy pastures:
- Sequester more carbon: Helping combat climate change.
- Prevent soil erosion: Maintaining stable soil structures reduces runoff and improves water quality.
“Overgrazing in one area can lead to erosion, especially during heavy rains,” said Dan Smith, co-founder of the Agritech Institute. “By making it easy to rotate grazing areas, this technology supports long-term environmental health.”
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Cost Concerns and Challenges
While virtual fencing technology with e collars offers numerous benefits, the high cost of Nofence equipment and associated subscription fees is a significant concern for many farmers.
Upfront Costs
- Cow collars cost $329 each, while smaller collars for goats and sheep are $229.
- Monthly subscription fees range from $3 to $4.50 per collar, depending on herd size.
Durability and Maintenance
Dixon noted concerns about the longevity of the equipment, particularly battery life. “I’ve already had to replace a few batteries after less than a month,” he said.
Technical Barriers
Some farmers expressed concerns about:
- Mobile Network Coverage: Reliable mobile connectivity is essential for the system to function but can be inconsistent in rural areas.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the app requires time and effort, especially for farmers less familiar with technology.
- Predator Risks: Without physical barriers, farms may become more vulnerable to predators.
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Balancing Costs and Benefits
For farmers like Melanie Harrison of Harrison’s Home Grown Farm, the potential savings in labor and materials make the technology worth exploring, despite its challenges.
“Fence materials and labor are only becoming more expensive,” Harrison said. “I think, as the technology becomes cheaper, it will become more cost-effective. Being an early adopter puts us ahead of the curve.”
Funding the Future of Farming
The Agritech Institute secured over $300,000 in grant funding from organizations like the Dairy Business Innovation Center and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board to provide Nofence equipment free of charge for the pilot program. This allows farmers to test the technology without financial risk during the 2024 growing season.
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“Our mission is to help small farms access innovations that have historically passed them by,” said Smith. “This technology represents the future of farming.”
Farmers Step Into the Future
Despite some skepticism, many participants see virtual fencing as a game-changer for livestock management.
“I’m not a big technology person,” Dixon admitted, “but this app has the potential to change farming dramatically. It’s about finding the right balance between innovation and the essentials of our job.”
Conclusion: A New Frontier in Livestock Farming
Virtual fencing technology with e collars like Nofence offers a glimpse into the future of farming, combining convenience, sustainability, and animal welfare. While challenges like high costs and technical barriers remain, early adopters in Vermont are demonstrating the potential of this innovative approach.
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As the pilot program continues, farmers, researchers, and technology developers will gain valuable insights into how virtual fencing can transform livestock management for both small and large operations. Whether it becomes a staple of modern agriculture will depend on its ability to balance cost-effectiveness with long-term benefits. For now, Vermont’s farmers are paving the way for what could be the next big leap in sustainable farming.
