Virtual fencing is a step closer to reality in NSW and Victoria.
Victorian and NSW dairy farmers will soon be able to harness the benefits of virtual fencing and herding technology.
The NSW Government moved first, joining Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania when it backed the technology on April 30.
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On May 21, the Victorian Government said new regulations would be finalised by the end of the year for the technology’s use, leaving South Australia and the ACT the only states without plans to allow access to virtual fencing.
“The NSW Government has listened to ... the farming industry and will work with both industry and animal welfare groups to ensure we get the right balance for delivering virtual fencing on farms,” NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said.
“These changes seek to reduce costs for farming and to enable agile paddock formation across land holdings to meet the needs of farmers while also protecting the welfare of cattle,” Ms Moriarty said.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said her announcement followed engagement with industry, manufacturers and researchers on virtual fencing to understand the animal welfare impacts of the technology.
“We know that Victorian farmers are looking to use virtual fencing and herding technology to improve productivity and farmer safety, which is why we’re making decisions to ensure farmers have the best technology up to date,” Ms Spence said.
Victoria’s Agriculture Minister Ros Spence learns about the technology at Ellinbank SmartFarm.
A trial of Halter virtual fencing technology at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland will continue until June 30 and will help inform the new regulations.
The news has been welcomed by peak dairy bodies in both states.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the announcement was a long-overdue recognition of the need to modernise Victoria’s outdated rules.
“Virtual fencing is already proving its worth in other states. It’s time Victorian farmers had the same opportunities to improve livestock management and reduce pressure on our land,” Mr Hosking said.
VFF United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free said dairy farmers had been ready to adopt virtual fencing for years.
“We’ve done the groundwork, and while this announcement is welcome, we can’t afford to wait much longer,” Mr Free said.
Mr Hosking agreed the timing of the changes was critical.
“We’re in the middle of a challenging season, and farmers need every tool available to manage feed, protect soil, and rotate stock efficiently. Virtual fencing is one of those tools,” he said.
Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing is looking forward to installing the technology on his own farm.
“For the dairy industry, this is good news,” Mr Billing said.
“Regulatory change means a short time to adopt the technology on commercial farms. It enables us to have access to this technology by the end of this year.”
EastAUSmilk president Joe Bradley said the NSW industry had been calling for the technology’s legalisation to bring NSW into line with other states and New Zealand.
“Where virtual fencing is allowed and used in other states and New Zealand, farmers report significant efficiencies, cost savings and pasture management flexibilities,” he said.
“In these tough economic times for the dairy industry, government decisions to remove regulatory barriers such as virtual fencing, go a long way to improve dairy farm profitability and efficiency.”
NSW Farmers’ Animal Welfare Committee chair Rob McIntosh said virtual fencing technology was a game changer for farmers.
“This technology can save lives by helping move livestock to safe areas in floods, fires or other natural disasters, without putting humans or animals at risk,” he said.
“It can also help reduce fencing costs, control noxious weeds and help with a whole other host of things — there’s almost no boundaries to what this technology can do.”
