Virtual fencing technology is gaining adoption among U.S. ranchers, with systems that use GPS-enabled collars to manage cattle movement and grazing patterns.
Halter, a New Zealand-based company that entered the U.S. market in 2024, has expanded its presence as demand grows for tools that reduce labor and improve pasture utilization. The company recently completed a $200 million fundraising round and reports nearly 1 million cattle are using its collars globally.
The system uses solar-powered collars that remain on cattle for several years and communicate with on-ranch towers. Ranchers can create and adjust virtual paddocks through a mobile app, allowing them to move cattle without physical fencing.
Jay, a rancher in southwest Kansas, said he began using the system in 2025 after observing improvements reported by other producers. He currently manages about 200 cows, many of which graze on cover crops.
“It allows us to do rotational grazing in situations where it wasn’t practical before, like on frozen ground in winter,” he said.
Jay said the system has reduced labor associated with moving cattle and enabled more precise grazing management. He also cited potential savings in fuel and fertilizer, noting that concentrated grazing can distribute manure more evenly across fields.
The technology also collects data on cattle behavior, generating thousands of data points per animal each day. Company representatives say this data can help refine grazing decisions and improve overall herd management, while emphasizing that ranchers retain ownership of their data.
Theo Beaumont, head of partnerships for Halter, said the company focuses on internal fencing and grazing control rather than replacing perimeter fencing.
“There are still safety and legal reasons to maintain boundary fences,” Beaumont said. “What this does is give producers more flexibility inside those boundaries.”
Adoption varies by operation size and management goals. Beaumont said the technology is used on herds ranging from small operations to ranches with several thousand head.
Cost remains a consideration, though the company uses a subscription model to reduce upfront investment. Some producers have also accessed cost-share programs or grants tied to conservation and land management practices.
Producers experimenting with the system are also exploring its role in regenerative agriculture. Jay said he sees potential for improving soil health through managed grazing and increased use of cover crops.
“I think it opens up a lot of opportunities to change how we use land, especially in drier areas,” he said.
While still evolving, virtual fencing is being evaluated by producers as a tool to increase efficiency, manage labor constraints, and adapt grazing strategies.
