Karapiro dairy farmer Trent Paterson is mastering his pasture management and getting more from every square meter of grass thanks to the power and reliability of Gallagher’s Lithium Solar Energizer technology. Trent milks 300 Jersey cows once a day, runs 350 deer for velvet, and grows around 100 jersey bulls on his 230-hectare farm in the Waikato. 

The farm's landscape has rolling hills and valleys, presenting plenty of challenges with power and accessibility. About half of the farm is fenced with two or three wire electric fences and the balance is traditionally Deer fencing. Trent also grows 12 Ha of maize silage every year and harvests 80 tonnes of grass silage. “Managing my grazing round length has become key to the business. I don’t break feed the deer but everything else is break fed. I don’t measure pasture by plate meter, but I do look at my residuals and have trained my farm manager to look at residuals too,” says Trent. “For me, that’s the key to growing quality pasture and lots of it!”

Trent uses a Gallagher Lithium Solar Fence Energizer to power up his break fences, solving his issues with power and accessibility and keeping his mobs where he needs them to ensure they efficiently graze every paddock. “Making sure we're getting good power to the back of the farm can be quite difficult at times. Using an off-grid, Lithium Solar Energizer ensures plenty of power on my break fencing without an issue,” says Trent. Managing his pasture efficiently means ensuring mobs are fully eating down their breaks to target residuals. “The feed you leave in a paddock is more important than the new grass you’re shifting your mobs onto. If you’re moving mobs too quickly and they’re not eating the pasture down far enough, the pasture is going to be poor when they come back for the next round because they’ve left too big a residual,” says Trent. 

The length of his rounds change depending on the season. “In the spring you're going into a good period of growth, and you can speed up your rounds. Then coming into late summer when you dry off, you push the round out. Then I use my supplementary feed to fill any gaps,” says Trent. His herd produces an average of 85,000 kgMS milking once a day. “I don't target high per cow production or even high production per hectare. The kind of country we farm on is just not meant for that. However, more effectively managing our pasture and making the most from every square meter with the help of portable fencing and break feeding has definitely helped us boost grass growth,” says Trent.

With the Lithium Solar Energizer range up to 53% lighter than previous lead-acid models with a 300% faster charging and longer lasting battery, it’s more so much more efficient. Its smaller size and the lightweight design makes it easy to transport. The energizer also delivers a consistent 7,000 to 8,000 volts on Trents fencing, in all weather, providing a reliable deterrent for livestock. “The Lithium Solar Energizers pretty much ready to use straight out of the box. After only a few hours sitting in the sun you’ve got incredible battery longevity and reliability, even on cloudy days. It’s an ideal, self-sufficient power solution for us,” says Trent.

Maintaining the integrity of his fences is crucial to preventing mobs breaking over and disrupting his carefully planned round lengths, reliable power on these portable fences are crucial. “The Lithium Solar Energizer keeps my mobs where they need to be and helps me execute my pasture management strategy with ease, making every blade of grass count toward my bottom line” says Trent. 

Gallagher is making off-grid livestock control and precision pasture management easier for New Zealand farmers with the launch of an extended range of Lithium Solar Fence Energizers, delivering more power over longer distances in any weather. In 2021, the company revolutionised electric fencing with the introduction of the world-first Lithium Solar Fence Energizer, the S12 Lithium. Now Gallagher has expanded its range in New Zealand launching an S20 Lithium powering up to 2km, an S30 Lithium – up to 3km, an S60 up to 6km and its most powerful S80 Lithium, which delivers reliable off-grid power to fences up to 8km.

The energizers help achieve precision pasture allocation and adaptive livestock control, allowing farmers to get more out of every square meter of grass. This makes it easier for farmers to allocate the perfect amount of pasture per head of livestock and reliably keep mobs where they need to be for efficient grazing. “As farmers face rising costs and tighter margins, maximising the efficient use of pasture needs to be a priority,” says Gallagher Business Development Manager Mark Maitland. “They need reliable portable electric fencing they know they can trust to do the job and keep their livestock where they need to be even without a direct power source. They want to be able to easily subdivide their paddocks into efficient grazing areas to optimise pasture allocation. That’s where our Lithium Solar energizers can help.”

The powerful solar energizers are up to 53 percent lighter than the previous lead-acid battery models, making them easy to transport around the farm. Lithium batteries can perform at least 300 percent more cycles when compared to lead-acid batteries, providing longer life in a product that runs every day and night. The Lithium Energizers are also far superior to lead-acid batteries which can only discharge about 60 percent of their capacity. Lithium batteries are better at holding their charge and can be depleted to almost zero and still be fully regenerated. “Because you can use a lithium battery’s whole range of capacity, they are far more efficient, and the energizers can be smaller in size. Their portability makes it easier for farmers to manage grazing efficiently, even in hard-to-reach areas,” says Mark. “The Lithium Energizers can also manage many more charge/discharge cycles so they last 7-10 years, as opposed to a conventional battery which typically only lasts three seasons. Switching to Lithium makes sense whichever way you look at it.” This improved battery performance means the three year energizer warranty now also includes the battery – which was not the case on previous lead-acid models. 

Gallagher’s Lithium Energizers use intelligent adaptive voltage technology, using microprocessors to continually monitor the solar energy intake and operate the unit as efficiently as possible. "Smart adaptive electronics are constantly monitoring the solar energy being stored, measuring it against the battery voltage and adjusting the output energy to ensure your fence is powered for as long as possible, even in the absence of sunlight,” says Mark. “This clever technology means farmers can be assured their fences are always running.” Like all Gallagher solutions, farmers had input into the initial product concept. Three hundred farmers around the world told Gallagher how they were using current solar-powered energizers, what worked and any issues they had. “We came up with a number of concepts, which we tested out with a selection of farmers to get their feedback,” says Mark. “We found they liked the compact size and the fact that the energizers mount to a post. It makes the energizer even more reliable by keeping the solar panel clear of grass and out of the water.”

These energizer models also have a dual insulated plastic enclosure, which protects internal circuitry and the Lithium battery from extreme temperatures. “We believe our Lithium Energizer range is a collection of the most powerful, lightweight and reliable off-grid energizers on the market,” says Mark. “This leading-edge technology allows farmers to more efficiently manage their pasture, even in more remote locations and provides peace of mind livestock are always where they should be.”

Precision herd management using Gallagher’s eShepherd cattle neckbands just got easier with eShepherd now providing coverage wherever your cellular phone works, removing the need for expensive start-up infrastructure with connectivity base stations.

eShepherd is Gallagher’s pioneering virtual fencing solution that uses neckbands to train cattle to remain within a virtual fencing barrier. It allows farmers to move and contain livestock anywhere on their farm, directly from their laptop or phone. Director of eShepherd Sales and Commercialisation, Sharl Liebergreen, says the eShepherd system has traditionally been driven by long-range communication using base stations installed across farms that can communicate over 5km. eShepherd neckbands are now available with built-in cellular connectivity, removing the need to install base stations on your farm. That means each individual neckband connects to your local cellular network, meaning faster and cheaper startup costs for virtual fencing.

The updated neckband variant can now use a global SIM card to connect to a local cellular network, removing the need for base stations and saving farmers the initial infrastructure cost of $5,000 per station. The neckbands use specific bands (referred to as IoT bands) of the local cellular network, which provide enhanced coverage and connectivity, especially in remote or rural areas where traditional cellular services might be less reliable, says Sharl. The bands consistently ensure the reliable transmission of data.

Sharl says Gallagher could see the growth in cellular coverage across New Zealand and Australia with recent developments including SpaceX partnering with local cellular companies to improve rural connectivity and Gallagher saw the opportunity to transform the system and save farmers money – enabling them to get straight into virtual fencing, and not spend time and money on connectivity towers. “By leveraging those cellular networks, we can give farmers more flexibility and save them the cost of installing base stations – which are valued at $5,000 each,” says Sharl.

“Recent virtual fencing research described virtual fencing installation with base stations being a huge barrier to entry – with costs as high as $40,000. Farmers have told us they would rather invest in more neckbands than base stations,” says Sharl. He says the cellular option will also be welcomed by Gallagher’s American and Canadian customers who graze large paddocks, often not side by side or nearby each other, but they do have great cellular coverage. “If the farm has cellular coverage, there is no requirement to invest in base stations. Each eShepherd neckband will connect to the local cellular network. The farmer doesn’t have to do anything. The cost of the cellular connection is managed by Gallagher,” says Sharl.

“With a SIM installed in the neckbands to facilitate the cellular connection, farmers will simply need to turn the neckbands on, fit them onto their animals, and they can start managing and virtually fencing their herds immediately. eShepherd will take care of the rest, including connecting to the cellular network and managing the billing between the network and the neckbands.” says Sharl.With cellular network connectivity, we can immediately deliver new solutions and software updates over the network, directly to the neckband. Ensuring the farmer is working with the latest features with minimal disruption to the daily operations of farmers, says Sharl.

Sharl says the new feature will also be particularly useful for small-scale operators or lifestyle farmers. “With no need for expensive base stations, lifestyle farmers can easily implement virtual fencing on their properties, ensuring the welfare of their livestock without breaking the bank,” says Sharl. “In the case of lifestyle property owners. They often work away from their property but even when they are busy juggling multiple responsibilities, they can still efficiently manage their livestock using eShepherd and cellular connectivity,” says Sharl.

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