Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks.

The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, announced the technology would be regulated for use in NSW, following extensive consultation with farming groups, animal welfare enforcement agencies, and suppliers.

“NSW farmers have now gained access to this new technology like their counterparts in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania,” she said.

“We have listened to the farming industry, animal welfare groups, and advocates like the Member for Orange Phil Donato and we have got the balance right for delivering virtual fencing on farms.”

Mr Donato said legalising virtual stock fencing is a commonsense win for farmers and regional NSW.

“I’ve been calling for this reform for years because it gives producers the freedom to manage their herds more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.”

The neckbands can alert farmers to animal issues requiring intervention, and can be disabled to reduce stress.

The RSPCA says that animal welfare must remain the foremost concern, arguing that technology should never replace “good husbandry, management and training.”

The NSW Guide to Animal Welfare for Virtual Fencing of Cattle, includes certain safeguards that must be met. These are that:

— the user must be trained in how to use the device by the supplier or manufacturer

— the user must ensure devices are regularly monitored and animal welfare standards are met

— devices will allow users to control the boundaries that trigger cues to the animal, but users cannot deliver cues directly to an animal

— devices must use vibrational or audio cues first, before using electric cues.

— the technology can only be used for cattle.

AUSmilk CEO Eric Danzi said many dairy farmers have had a tough year due to natural disasters, and this technology promises to help ease their load.

“We have many dairy farmers who are eager to put in virtual fencing as soon as it is legal to do so,” he said.

NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said virtual fencing has changed the game for cattle producers around the world.

“From reducing ongoing fencing and maintenance costs, protecting biodiversity and limiting stock handling, the benefits of this technology make it an incredibly powerful tool.

“With farmers needing to produce more food and fiber than ever before, it’s vital we jump on board.”

By Sue STEPHENSON