Revolutionizing the Range with Virtual Fencing

In the wide-open plains of South Dakota, a quiet revolution is taking place. At Jorgenson Landing Cattle, CEO Nick Jorgenson is leading the charge by implementing cutting-edge virtual fencing technology to tackle one of modern ranching’s biggest logistical challenges: managing large herds across vast expanses of land without exhausting manpower or infrastructure.

Spanning 13,000 acres and home to 1,500 Angus females, the ranch faced steep demands with traditional rotational grazing methods. Moving cattle with physical fencing was not only labor-intensive but also inefficient. That’s where the Gallagher eShepherd™ virtual fencing system entered the picture — offering a smart, scalable solution that’s already paying dividends.

A New Age of Grazing

By adopting virtual fencing, Jorgenson's team significantly cut down the need for permanent fencing and physical labor. The system uses GPS-enabled neckbands to set virtual boundaries, allowing cattle to be moved or contained using nothing but a mobile app. For Nick, the impact has been twofold: simplified herd management and healthier, more productive pastures.

“We’re mimicking what the bison did here centuries ago,” Nick explains. “This means longer rest periods for the grass, which rejuvenates the land and fosters a healthier ecosystem overall.”

This natural grazing rhythm is more than just eco-friendly; it's regenerative. The grasslands benefit from the rest, the soil recovers, and biodiversity begins to flourish — a rare balance of productivity and conservation in modern agriculture.

Real-Time Control and Peace of Mind

One of the biggest advantages of the Gallagher eShepherd system is the real-time monitoring it provides. With just a glance at his mobile device, Nick can check the location and status of every animal on the property — all without setting foot in the pasture.

This instant oversight allows the ranch team to proactively identify issues such as a stray cow or a malfunctioning collar. The result? Less stress, quicker response times, and greater peace of mind.

Technology That Works for the Rancher

Jorgenson notes that the setup process was surprisingly simple. The eShepherd collars come pre-assembled, minimizing technical hurdles and making it accessible even to those with limited tech experience. The system is intuitive, reliable, and integrates seamlessly into daily ranch operations.

What’s more, Nick has observed notable improvements in cattle behavior and welfare, particularly among calves. The virtual boundaries allow younger animals to graze in more nutrient-rich areas, leading to better growth and nutritional outcomes.

Eye on the Future

Encouraged by the system’s success, Nick plans to expand virtual fencing to the entire herd within five years. His enthusiastic endorsement could signal a broader shift in the industry as ranchers seek sustainable, efficient, and scalable management tools.

“Virtual fencing is more than a tech upgrade,” Nick says. “It’s a paradigm shift in how we think about land stewardship, animal care, and the future of ranching.”

A Model for Modern Ranching

Nick Jorgenson’s experience with the Gallagher eShepherd™ system is a compelling example of how innovation can be harnessed to solve age-old agricultural problems. His approach blends tradition with technology, respecting the land’s natural rhythms while pushing toward a smarter, more sustainable future.

From ecological regeneration to operational efficiency, the story unfolding at Jorgenson Landing Cattle is one of transformation — and it’s only just begun.