How Virtual Fence is Solving Real Problems for Real Ranchers
Learn how virtual fence has more uses than most ranchers realize.
Upon first look, virtual fence technology like Sensehub Vence has immense value to ranchers in terms of grazing management. However, that’s only the surface of how this technology is creating a better future for ranchers, wildlife and the greater population.
“This system has so many opportunities in it,” says Jim Strickland, sixth generation Florida rancher. “Not only can I save on capital improvement cost and maintenance cost, but there were so many other opportunities.”
Strickland utilizes virtual fence on several cow herds to improve wildlife habitat and waterways, protect cattle from predators and keep cattle safe during hurricanes.
“We cover about 7,000 acres now,” he says. “I can build more fence with this computer mouse in about 30 minutes than I could in three, four or five months.”
Creating wildlife habitats and protecting waterways is top of mind for Strickland. Vence makes it easy to provide ample habitat and grazing.
“We can now identify birthing areas for wading birds,” says Jim. “I can click around all those ephemeral wetlands and eliminate cattle from going in there.”
Fencing off different areas for wildlife, also benefits the cattle later in the year.
“Wildlife has just gone fantastic because they have that ability to hide from predators in the taller grass,” says Strickland. “Additionally, I’ve stockpiled grass for the winter grazing season.”
Vence has also provided safety for the cattle themselves in an environment where alligators are prevalent.
“On one of our ranches we counted 468 alligators over six feet long across 11 miles of dikes,” he says. “Vence allows us to change our fences as the alligators migrate, so the cows and calves keep a safe distance.”
This benefit saves a lot of calves and a lot of money for the ranch.
Strickland says, “Our steer calves this shipping season averaged $1,975 a head. If I lose 20 or 30 head of calves to alligators, that’s a lot of money.”
Natural disasters such as hurricanes also create challenges for ranchers whether it’s locating cattle, keeping them on high ground or keeping the public safe from loose livestock.
“When a hurricane is coming, we open up all the interior gates on the ranch so cattle can find high ground,” he says. “I can also install, a totally different Vence around those cattle to keep them from going to my perimeter fences. So now the safety of the public comes in because I know where my cattle are.”
Once the storm passes, cattle are more easily found with the Vence system.
“I can tell you I’ve gone through three hurricanes with the Vence system… if I have power on my computer, I have found that those towers withstood the sustained 120 mph winds.”
The GPS feature with the collars offers great peace of mind after large weather events.
“I assure you, as soon as my people are good and my family is good, I am on my computer locating my cattle and sending someone to that location,” says Strickland.
Success with any technology doesn’t come without a desire to learn and change.
“Having the right staff that buys into it and training that staff is critical. It’s not just plug-and-play; you need people who commit to learning it,” he says.
But the results are hard to deny even for the most traditional cowboys and cowgirls.
He says, “Once they started seeing the results, they were all in,” says Strickland. “We can tell where that cow didn’t move and check to see if she might have a calving problem, is bogged up in a ditch, or experiencing other problems.”
If this technology keeps piquing your interest, take a look at all the benefits and applications it could have in your environment and business. It’s a multifaceted tool that’s being used around the globe.
Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.
