Farmers can set speed, distance and duration

Gallagher eShepherd has introduced Moving Fence, a virtual fencing feature that steadily shifts a pasture boundary instead of moving cattle onto a fresh strip in one step.

The company describes it as a world-first capability. It is patent-pending and built for rotational, strip-grazing and regenerative grazing systems.

Farmers choose the distance, duration and speed. After that, the virtual fence advances through the day and night to bring fresh feed within reach.

An optional trailing back fence can also keep cattle off ground they have already grazed. Gallagher says that can protect regrowth and cut pugging in wet conditions.

Sarah Adams, Gallagher’s general manager of strategy and new ventures, said: “Moving Fence takes virtual fencing to the next level, beyond automated break-feeding to precision pasture management.”

Adams said the system gives farmers a more exact way to apply grazing decisions they already make, including how much pasture stock need, how fast the feed front should move and what residual should remain.

Kent Rochester tests it near Albany

Kent Rochester, who runs yearling cattle on grass near Albany in Western Australia, has started using the feature during the spring flush.

He said excess residual pasture had become a problem because cattle were lying on grass instead of eating it. He added: “With Moving Fence we can control that better and really look to maximise the feed we have got, when we’ve got it.”

According to Adams, a steadier flow of fresh pasture may also help settle cattle, especially bulls, by reducing hunger-driven movement and competition around feed.

She also linked the system to cold-weather management, because cattle need more energy to stay warm when temperatures drop and consistent feed access becomes more important.

Gallagher said Moving Fence works through an over-the-air update using existing eShepherd equipment, including neckbands, paddock maps and the app, with no extra hardware required.