The future of cattle management has arrived in Victoria. Following the finalisation of new regulations, the Victorian Government has officially given the green light for virtual fencing technology for farmers across the state. This pivotal change brings Victorian dairy and beef producers access to farming technology available globally enabling new levels of productivity, efficiency, and animal welfare. The new regulations come with safeguards and clear requirements, to ensure that technology provides precision and productivity gains to farmers whilst keeping animal welfare as a top priority.
What is virtual fencing?
Virtual fencing is a technology that allows farmers to manage cattle movement without physical fences. Communication towers are installed on the farm, and cows are fitted with smart collars which guide them using sound and vibration. The towers talk to the collars, and the collars talk to the cows.
Using a simple smartphone app, the farmer draws a virtual boundary on a map. When a cow approaches the line, the collar provides an audio cue to guide the animal away. This gentle, low-stress guidance quickly teaches the animals to respect the invisible fence. It's the ultimate tool for precision cattle management and pasture management.
Halter in Australia: Old laws vs. new tech
While Halter’s virtual fencing technology has been successfully deployed globally for years, including extensive use in New Zealand, the United States, Queensland, and Tasmania, Victoria (among other states) was previously restricted. These restrictions were based on historic laws written before the development of modern, animal-welfare-focused virtual fencing systems.
Why Victorian virtual fencing regulations have changed
The legislative amendment was driven by overwhelming evidence of the technology's benefits and safety:
- Improved animal welfare: Halter's system removes risks associated with traditional fencing (entanglement, barbed-wire injuries). The gentle, sound-and-vibration-based guidance reduces stress and avoids the hurried movement caused by dogs or vehicles, improving the comfort and behaviour of the herd.
- Enhanced monitoring: The Halter collars provide continuous, 24/7 visibility of each animal, instantly alerting the farmer to non-movement or unusual behaviour. This allows for earlier health intervention than traditional methods.
- Farmer advocacy: Strong demand from Victorian farmers and successful long-term adoption in other Australian states proved the technology is safe, effective, and a powerful tool for productivity.
What this means for VIC beef and dairy farmers
Virtual fencing in VIC is a game-changer for farm efficiency, costs, and animal management:
- Pasture management: Instantly create and move virtual fences on the Halter app whilst on the go, allowing for unprecedented control over pasture management and maximising feed utilisation.
- Labour and cost benefits: Significantly reduce the time and cost associated with building, repairing, and maintaining traditional internal fencing infrastructure.
- Emergency management: Use the app to swiftly shift stock to higher ground during floods or away from fire danger, protecting both livestock and human safety.
- Optimised productivity: Leverage Halter’s data-driven insights to manage herds, identify cows on heat and health implications, and ensure peak performance for your cattle operation.
Halter is now applying for our technology to be approved in VIC, which will then give VIC farmers access to our world-leading virtual fencing and herd management technology to drive efficiency and sustainability on their properties. Ready to lead the way in modern livestock management and speak to our team about getting Halter on your farm? Enquire here.
Or, learn more about how we support beef and dairy farmers:
Explore Halter for Dairy in VIC
Explore Halter for Beef in VIC
