PDS: Demonstrating virtual fencing benefits in mixed farming landscapes
| Project start date: | 25 June 2026 |
| Project end date: | 31 March 2030 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | NSW, Victoria, Queensland |
| Site location: | Victoria |
Summary
Virtual fencing has the potential to help mixed farming businesses integrate livestock more effectively into cropping systems by enabling flexible grazing management without the cost and labour associated with conventional fencing. While interest in the technology is growing, there is limited local demonstration of how virtual fencing performs under Victorian farming conditions and where it can deliver the greatest value to producers.
This MLA and GRDC Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project will demonstrate the practical application of virtual fencing across Victorian mixed farming enterprises. The project aims to build producer confidence in the technology by evaluating its impact on grazing management, feed utilisation, labour efficiency, weed management and environmental protection, while generating independent information on the costs, benefits and suitability of virtual fencing in commercial farming systems.
Objectives
By August 2029, in the North Central, Mallee, South West and Central Gippsland regions of Victoria, the project will establish 6 demonstration sites on mixed cropping/beef grazing properties, engaging 20 core producers and more than 100 observer producers to:
1) Demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual fencing (VF) systems in mixed cropping–grazing enterprises by:
a) Improving grazing utilisation and uniformity in dual-purpose crops by 10%, with no/minimal reduction in crop yield.
b) Increasing utilisation of frosted or low performing crop areas and stubbles by 10% without the use of physical fencing.
c) Protecting ground cover on dunes and other vulnerable areas (eg waterways and wetlands) with greater than 90% effectiveness.
d) Reducing labour time and labour‑related costs associated with moving stock by at least 30%.
e) Improving weed suppression by at least 10% through targeted grazing in stubbles and summer fallow.
2) Assess the economic and operational performance of VF‑enabled grazing systems by collecting, analysing and reporting site‑level data and conducting a cost–benefit analysis comparing VF with conventional fencing approaches, including:
a) Labour and labour related costs.
b) Capital and infrastructure requirements.
c) Technology costs (collars, base stations, data and subscriptions).
d) Grazing productivity and utilisation outcomes.
3) Build producer capability and confidence in VF technology by delivering targeted extension activities, including:
a) Hosting annual on‑farm field days at demonstration sites to showcase VF results, engaging more than 100 producers, agronomists and industry stakeholders over the life of the project.
b) Delivering three additional in‑person workshops or field‑based learning events.
c) Delivering two online webinars,
achieving an increase in knowledge, skills and confidence among 100% of core producers and at least 80% of observer producers.
4) Support adoption and practice change by achieving:
a) Adoption or intent to adopt virtual fencing practices by at least 50% of core producers; and
b) Intent to adopt by at least 15% of observer producers, as VF technology becomes increasingly available and affordable in Victoria.
