SCLT pilot project explores virtual fencing opportunities
In recent months, the topic of virtual fencing has risen to the forefront of discussions about developing technology in ranching.
A pilot project in Sheridan County is exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of virtual fencing.
The Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) is partnering with three local ranchers to utilize virtual fencing technology from Halter – a New-Zealand based virtual fence company founded in 2016 and expanded to the U.S. last year – to study impacts throughout different terrains.
The SCLT pilot program is backed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with support from the World Wildlife Fund, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Sheridan County Conservation District, according to information from the SCLT website.
On Nov. 3, a virtual fencing field day was held in Sheridan, where attendees got a firsthand look at Halter technology in action.
Project background
The goal of the SCLT pilot project is to observe how virtual fencing technology holds up in real western rangeland conditions across three separate areas in Sheridan County.
SCLT Director of Conservation John Graves believes virtual fencing technology promises benefits for ranchers and wildlife alike, from preserving riparian areas to cutting down on labor inputs.
Following introductions from Graves, Halter Representative Emery Fine and Sheridan County Rancher Dan Reinke provided insight to Halter technology and impacts during the field day.
About Halter
In her role as Wyoming territory manager for Halter, Fine works with producers to explain the benefits of the system and see if it is the right fit for their operations.
According to her presentation, the Halter system consists of solar-powered collars, an app and towers which transmit data from the collars to the app and allow ranchers to set and shift remote fencelines.
The collars utilize three separate cues – sound, shock and vibration – to condition cattle to respond and shift virtually.
Additionally, the GPS function allows ranchers to maintain accurate herd numbers and cuts down on time spent tracking down missing cattle.
The ability to set virtual fence lines and locate cattle remotely cuts down on time and labor input. Fine emphasized Halter is intended as an aid and not as a replacement for perimeter fencing.
“This is not a replacement for ranching,” Fine emphasized. “It’s a tool to help producers be more efficient and not have to fix and build fence so much.”
Fine says a few benefits for ranchers include grazing flexibility, increased pasture utilization and reduced workload. Better pasture utilization yields a more robust calf crop as well as the ability to increase herd sizes in some cases, according to Fine’s examples.
There are also environmental benefits, such as the ability to easily keep cattle out of riparian areas, creek bottoms and areas affected by wildfire without implementing fenceposts.
Rancher experience
Following Fine’s introduction to Halter, Reinke shared his firsthand experience with virtual fence technology.
He said the impact of incorporating Halter into his operation has been positive.
Reinke began by explaining the basic functions of the technology, highlighting the convenience of not having to change batteries thanks to the system’s solar-powered hardware and discussing different app functions like redrawing boundary lines.
Reinke explained one administrator has access to all of the primary app functions and can add users in order to share information.
Additionally, Reinke noted he started out with 120 collars but ended up increasing to 400 collars following a successful first month, he highlighted several benefits from reduced labor input to ease of locating cattle.
“I think it has potential to really work into savings all across the board,” Reinke said.
Reinke admitted cell coverage, which is sometimes hard to come by, is needed to make changes like redrawing boundaries but noted lack of service has not presented many issues in the overall scheme of things.
Future opportunities
The SCLT pilot project is set to continue into 2026, and another educational opportunity has been scheduled for the new year.
The Northeast Wyoming Virtual Fence Symposium is set to take place on Jan. 6, 2026 at the CAM-PLEX Central Pavilion Building in Gillette.
The symposium will feature comments from four different virtual fence manufacturers including Halter, as well as livestock producers using the technology. There is no cost to attend, but those interested should register by Dec. 15.
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit sheridanclt.org/events/northeast-wyoming-virtual-fence-symposium/.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
