Embracing Innovation: Virtual Fencing Unlocked for NSW Farmers
Sunday, 04 May, 2025
Cattle producers will soon gain a new tool as the NSW government plans to legalise long-awaited virtual fencing technology.
The recent announcement by the NSW government to legalise virtual fencing represents a significant step forward for farmers, promising to enhance their operations with cutting-edge innovation and efficiency.
Gallagher Animal Management have been immersed in the legislative consultation process, with GM Strategy & New Ventures Sarah Adams attending hearings alongside other industry and animal welfare experts.
Sarah says, “We are delighted by the decision, now NSW farmers will have a new tool in the toolbox to help them optimise resource use and scale up precision livestock management.”
Supporting Transformation
The announcement comes six months after the tabling of a report by the Legislative Assembly Committee, inspired by Mr Donato's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024.
In July, Gallagher attended a public hearing hosted by NSW’s Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development on an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024. The committee heard from local businesses, farmers, animal welfare advocates and more who debated the potential risks and benefits that would result from an amendment to the Bill.
A report following this hearing stated: “With farmers in New South Wales facing increasing challenges from natural disasters and fluctuating markets, it is important to examine whether virtual stock fencing technology can help them and the broader environment.” And now, the decision has been made to empower farmers with virtual fencing to help mitigate impacts of these challenges.
Previously, opposition for virtual fencing stemmed from animal welfare concerns; a subject Gallagher take very seriously. At the July hearing, Sarah assured local officials.
“eShepherd has been developed with animal health and wellbeing at the forefront of all design decisions. We are aligned with the RSPCA’s five domains of animal welfare and are working with Animal Ethics Committees and governing agencies to ensure the solution results in a positive outcome for happier and healthier animals.”
Following an initial audio cue, eShepherd neckbands emit a mild, predictable pulse approximately 100x less than that of physical electric fencing to guide cattle back to virtual paddocks. They are also designed with built-in breakaway functions to ensure no safety risk for livestock.
Unleashing the Power of Innovation
This revolutionary tool is set to redefine livestock management and pasture precision across the vast and often challenging terrain of New South Wales.
Virtual fencing utilises neckbands equipped with GPS technology and sensory cues, enabling farmers to manage livestock movements with unprecedented ease and accuracy via an IoT platform. This innovation not only optimises pasture usage but also alleviates the need for traditional physical fences, offering an agile and cost-effective solution for rotational grazing at scale.
The integration of virtual fencing with existing farm management systems offers a seamless and holistic approach to livestock and land management. By leveraging data and technology, farmers can make informed decisions that enhance productivity and profitability while minimising environmental impact.
Mark Dempsey, eShepherd Business Development for Gallagher Australia shares his excitement.
"The introduction of virtual fencing in NSW is a game-changer for the agricultural sector. This technology allows farmers to manage their livestock more efficiently and effectively, reducing labour costs and increasing pasture utilisation. It's a win-win for farmers.
"With virtual fencing, farmers can manage their herds over large areas more effectively, ensuring that every square meter of pasture is used to its fullest potential. This level of precision is vital for resilient farming, especially in regions where resources are scarce due to drought or other climate events.
Joining the Party
Farmers across QLD, WA and South Australia have enjoyed the benefits of virtual fencing in recent years. Simon Fowler’s expansive cropping and finishing operation covering 50,000 hectares in Western Australia is using eShepherd™ virtual fencing technology to enhance crop and animal health and productivity.
Chilwell Farms, in Condingup near Esperance, is primarily dedicated to cropping wheat and canola and also runs 2000 head of Angus cattle, grass finishing about 1500 yearlings each year, and 30,000 ewes.
In January 2024, Simon Fowler adopted eShepherd to efficiently manage cattle on his cropping land, aiming to boost both crop and pasture performance and animal productivity and health.
“It’s been a game changer” Simon says.
Previously, the cattle free-ranged the farm's 150-hectare paddocks, often undergrazing and overgrazing areas.
“Along with having no real control of our cattle in the large paddocks, they would undergraze or overgraze areas and there was no time for pasture regeneration. The lack of efficient grazing was impacting our crop and soil management and meant we weren’t getting the most out of our cattle either,” Simon explains.
eShepherd has enabled the Fowlers to control their cattle with precision, allowing them to implement rotational grazing cells within each 150-hectare paddock.
Now, like Simon, NSW farmers will be able to realise crucial productivity gains through this innovative tech.
Looking Ahead
At Gallagher Animal Management, we are committed to supporting NSW farmers as they adopt virtual fencing. Our team is dedicated to providing the tools, training, and support needed to maximise the benefits of virtual fencing.
We continue to work closely with other State governing bodies across Australia to unlock further potential for the nations agricultural industry.
If you would like to learn more about your virtual fencing options, please get in touch with our dedicated local rep Mark Dempsey on 0473 463 603 or via mark.dempsey@gallagher.com