Virtual fencing is expensive, but pales in comparison to the millions of dollars needed to rebuild fences for cattle producers.
Cattle producers in Gilliam County got a show of support from the Gilliam County Court, which has pledged $150,000 to help pilot a virtual fencing technology for producers impacted by the Lone Rock Fire.
More than 300 miles of fence burned during the Lone Rock Fire. Cattle ranchers have had to move livestock to other areas and to buy extra feed. The Natural Resource Conservation Service district is working with the federal government to get funds to those impacted by fires – but securing those funds could be many months away.
Seeing the immediate need, the Gilliam County Court approved to provide $150,000 in virtual fencing for cattle, taking the funds from the SIPs fund. Producers are currently working to setup and learn the system.
The technology uses collars that are put around the neck of cattle. Like the invisible fences used for house pets, the collar will omit a beeping noise when approaching the boundary and a shock when crossing it.
The Gilliam Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) brought the proposal to the county court last month. The SWCD has received two towers and believes it is a good alternative to rebuilding the entirety of burned fence, which is estimated to cost approximately $9 million to repair.
Gilliam County Judge Cris Patnode said the effort will "marry innovation with heritage."
In addition to the Gilliam County Court's funds, the Ford Family Foundation also provided a grant for the virtual fences.
In recent years, conservationists have promoted virtual fencing as a way to improve soil quality by preventing overgrazing. The fences also help cattle producers move cattle more efficiently, as boundaries can help guide cattle to new pastures. Producers can also see if cattle are being pursued by predators if they run quickly and leave the fence perimeter.
Reader Comments(0)