Conducted at the University’s Global Digital Farm in Wagga Wagga, the Charles Sturt Virtual Fencing Demonstration Trial uses GPS-defined boundaries and electronic neckbands to manage cattle movements without the need for traditional fencing.
The technology enables producers to create, modify and move grazing areas within minutes using a computer or mobile device, delivering unprecedented flexibility in livestock and pasture management.
One of the strongest early findings from the trial is how quickly cattle learn to respond to the audio stimulus delivered through the neckbands without needing electrical pulses.
At the beginning of the project, about 60 per cent of fence interactions were resolved using the audio warning alone.
As the cattle adapted, that figure increased to about 97 per cent audio-only interactions, demonstrating that animals are responding to the warning cue without requiring electrical stimuli.
Early indications are that virtual fencing technology can operate as a communication tool rather than a correction device, reinforcing confidence in animal welfare outcomes.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said virtual fencing had the potential to deliver major benefits for producers across NSW.
“The NSW Government is proud to support this innovation to help farmers improve productivity, while maintaining strong animal welfare standards,” she said.
“The technology gives producers greater flexibility to manage grazing, reduce infrastructure costs and respond more quickly to changing seasonal conditions.”
