In recent developments across Australian agriculture, virtual fencing (and herding) has emerged as a transformative technology offering numerous benefits for livestock management. While virtual fencing and herding has gained strong traction in New Zealand and Tasmania, the technology remains prohibited in New South Wales (NSW), South Australia and Victoria. However, recent legislative efforts and stakeholder support suggest that NSW may soon consider legalising virtual fencing, providing dairy farmers with a new tool for productivity, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
The Current State of Virtual Fencing and Herding Technology
Virtual fencing and herding technologies allow livestock movements to be managed electronically, without physical fences, by creating invisible boundaries guided by collar or ear tag technology. This technology trains cows to respond to audio and vibration cues, guiding them without causing stress. In New Zealand, where virtual fencing is legal and widely adopted, over 200,000 cattle are now managed using virtual fencing, reducing the need for labour while promoting animal welfare and productivity.
Benefits of Virtual Fencing for the NSW Dairy Industry
The advantages of virtual fencing are numerous:
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Farm Efficiency and Labor Savings: With NSW facing a tight labour market and regional unemployment at just 2.9% fencing offers a critical labour-saving solution. This tech reduces the need for labour-intensive fence maintenance, manual herding of cows for milking, and setting up of temporary grazing fences, helping farms cope with worker shortages and save on operational costs.
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Improved Pasture Utilisation and Production: Virtual fencing allows precise control over grazing patterns, optimising pasture use, and increasing farm productivity. Farmers in New Zealand and Tasmania report that virtual fencing has significantly improved their ability to manage grazing intensity, especially in remote and difficult-to-fence areas.
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Animal Welfare: Virtual fencing technology has evolved to ensure cattle experience no adverse effects. Studies show that animals quickly learn to respond to boundary cues and are allowed to move at their own pace. Currently available technologies also monitor the health of the animals, ensuring early disease detection and improved welfare outcomes.
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Environmental and Wildlife Conservation: The ability to create dynamic, temporary boundaries means better control over livestock access to sensitive ecosystems, including rivers and wetlands. Virtual fencing helps protect waterways from cattle impact, promoting sustainable land management and environmental conservation.
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Workplace Health and Safety: Virtual herding can considerably reduce the number of hours dairy staff spend on motorbikes and SUVs, significantly reducing their exposure to risk of injury.
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Emergency Management: Virtual fencing can help protect livestock during natural disasters by enabling swift relocation without the need for physical infrastructure. It also simplifies biosecurity management, ensuring livestock are contained in designated areas when needed.
The Legislative Path Forward in NSW
A recent inquiry in NSW Parliament, initiated by the Member for Orange, has spurred discussion on legalising virtual fencing in the state. The resulting report from this inquiry recommends permitting virtual fencing and herding for livestock, with consideration of the substantial evidence provided on its safety and benefits.
In May 2024, Dairy NSW, in partnership with Dairy Australia, supported the NSW Farmers submission to the Legislative Assembly Committee, emphasising the many potential benefits of virtual fencing and herding technologies, as described above Dr. James Neal, representing Dairy NSW, presented to the committee, describing virtual fencing as a "game changer" for the dairy industry. This view was echoed by Dr. Andy Hancock, Dairy Australia’s Sustainable Animal Care Manager, emphasised that “any technology which can save on-farm labour is critical to the ongoing functioning of a thriving dairy industry.” He pointed to the technology’s potential to boost productivity, enhance environmental stewardship, and address labour shortages that are affecting dairy operations across the country.
Next Steps for NSW Dairy Farmers
As NSW inches closer to potentially legalising virtual fencing and herding, dairy farmers are encouraged to stay informed and actively participate in the conversation. Dairy NSW recommends that farmers review the Committee’s enquiry report and keep abreast of updates to welfare legislation. The shift toward virtual fencing could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient farming practices, ensuring NSW’s dairy industry remains competitive and resilient.
Call to Action: Interested farmers can review the enquiry report here and stay updated on future legislative changes. Dairy NSW will continue advocating for tools that support our farmers’ productivity, animal welfare, and land management goals. As legislative progress unfolds, Dairy NSW remains committed to informing and empowering the dairy community across NSW.
Virtual fencing presents a promising future for dairy operations, positioning NSW dairy farmers to leverage modern, efficient, and welfare-conscious technology.
