Geo and Virtual fencing are often used on-farm and in recent years producers have become more and more familiar with these systems to streamline stock tracking and control management. But what is the real difference between Geo and Virtual fencing? Read on and you’ll find the difference between these two super simple and easily actionable solutions.
The Difference
Geo Fencing:
Geo Fencing is a virtual geographic boundary set through a Global Positioning System (GPS), or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enabling a triggered alert when a device enters or leaves an area. (Oxford Languages Dictionary, 2021).
Virtual Fencing:
Virtual fencing is a system that enables animals to be confined or moved without using fixed fences, this could be through sound or electric shock. (CSIRO, 2021).
Put simply, each time an animal enters or exits the assigned barrier a Virtual Fence triggers a physical response such as a pulse or noise, where as a Geo Fence triggers a notification on a device through a software.
The Benefits
Depending on your business goals there are benefits to both. From improved productivity and stock retention to reducing the initial investment in physical fencing - it all depends on your operation and desired outcome.
In Australia, virtual fencing is only legal in QLD and TAS, and this comes down to Animal Ethics and Welfare. Geo-fencing can be used world wide as it relies on an element of animal husbandry once you receive the alert.
Geo Fencing in the Agricultural Industry
Geo Fencing technology is used across the Agricultural sector. It is widely used in Agronomy for crop planning, planting and harvesting to increase the yield.
In beef grazing operations Geo Fencing Technology is used for the rotation of livestock through grazing areas and to notify the owner of location.
Geo Fencing technology can be even more useful on wide-ranging properties, why? It allows producers to check if animals are accessing feed and water as well as making sure they stay away from environmentally sensitive areas remotely from the office, on the road or away from home.