Regenerative Grazing with Virtual Fencing in Western Australia. A Life-Changing Journey

In the sandy soils of southwest Western Australia, just over two hours south of Perth, Kevin Nettleton and his sons Ewen and Campbell are transforming the way they manage their Limousin cattle stud. With 50 breeding cows and 13 yearling heifers, their operation is a blend of tradition and innovation—now powered by eShepherd virtual fencing technology.

From Struggle to Surplus

After years of battling poor pasture growth, Kevin made the shift to regenerative farming. “We’ve traditionally struggled for grass over the last three years,” Kevin explains. “Now, we have a surplus—which is unbelievable.”

The change wasn’t just about grazing strategy. Youngest son Ewen introduced chickens into the rotation, moving them daily through the paddocks after the cattle. Their manure has supercharged pasture regrowth, with fresh feed reaching shin height within three weeks during the growing season. 

Virtual Fencing: A Game Changer

The Nettleton family adopted eShepherd for their breeding cows. Upon initial fitting, reactions ranged from calm acceptance to brief bucking, but the animals quickly adapted. “There wasn’t any lengthy training,” Kevin says. “They just responded to the audio warnings. We haven’t had any cross the virtual fence.”

The system has allowed oldest son Campbell to manage grazing with precision. He uses virtual paddocks to rotate stock, protect wet areas, and funnel animals through laneways, all without lifting a single polywire. “It’s been a game changer for us,” Kevin says. “Our cows and calves have never done as well as they have since we’ve had eShepherd.”

Low-Stress Calving and Monitoring

Calving takes place from March to June, initially in physical paddocks under close supervision. Once calves are on the ground, the Nettleton’s transition the herd to virtual paddocks. The system lets them monitor cow behavior remotely—often from the comfort of home.

“You could be lying in bed, turn on the app, and see a cow off on her own,” Kevin says. “Most of the time, she’s calving or has just calved. It’s a very easy way to check without having to be there all the time.”

As calves grow, they begin grazing further from their mothers. Kevin recently spotted a group of 14 calves happily grazing 150 metres away, while their mothers rested nearby.

Smart Movement and Leadership in the Herd

Kevin’s cows are very relaxed and expert at responding to virtual paddock changes. “We just change the fences and they move accordingly,” he says. “We’ve got a cow called T16—she’s an ultimate leader. She knows when the fence has been shifted and brings the rest of the mob with her.”

Kevin and his sons are also using virtual laneways to guide cattle to yards for vet work or mustering. “Previously, you’d spend frustrating time on a quad trying to get them in,” he says. “Now, it’s easy. Once they’re used to it, they don’t go where they’re not supposed to.”

Reliable Tech, Even in Tough Conditions

Despite operating in a low-lying area with variable weather, Kevin hasn’t had issues with battery life or connectivity. “We’ve just been changed over to 5G. We get one bar and have no issues,” he says. Even in wet seasons, the system helps him exclude waterlogged areas and protect soil structure.

Looking Ahead

Kevin’s experience is a testament to how virtual fencing can support regenerative farming, improve animal welfare, and simplify day-to-day management. “It just makes management so much easier,” he says. “It’s fabulous.”

Why eShepherd Works for the Nettleton’s

• Precision grazing across mixed soil types and leased land
• Improved cow and calf condition through rotational grazing
• Seamless integration with regenerative practices, including poultry
• Reduced stress and labour during calving and mustering

For Kevin, eShepherd isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformational shift in how he manages his stud. His story shows what’s possible when smart technology meets thoughtful stewardship in Western Australia.