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Producer Attitudes Towards Virtual Fencing Technology in Livestock Systems in New Mexico and Oklahoma

Applied Research

Josh Campbell
Extension Educator, Ag/ 4-H
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma City

Abstract

Virtual fencing (VF) is an emerging livestock management technology that uses GPS-enabled collars to establish digital boundaries for managing animal movement without relying solely on physical fencing. As fencing material and labor costs continue to rise, VF has gained attention as a potential tool to support herd tracking, labor efficiency, and rotational grazing practices. This study examined producer attitudes toward VF in New Mexico and Oklahoma to identify perceived barriers and valued use-cases that may influence adoption and inform Extension programming on the topic. A mixed-mode survey was used to collect responses from livestock producers, and participants rated the importance of potential benefits and barriers associated with VF adoption using five-point Likert-type scales. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses.

Findings showed that producers viewed herd tracking and the use of virtual boundaries to create interior paddocks for rotational grazing as the most important perceived benefits of VF. At the same time, the most significant barriers included high-cost relative to benefits, maintenance and upkeep requirements, cell or internet connectivity, and concerns about system reliability. Results suggest that producers recognize the practical implications of VF, particularly for improving grazing management and monitoring livestock, but remain cautious about whether the technology will function reliably and economically in their operations.

These findings indicate that Extension programming efforts related to VF should focus not only on explaining how VF works, but also on addressing producer concerns related to cost, reliability, connectivity, and animal training requirements. Demonstrations, producer-to-producer learning opportunities, and economic analysis, and decision-support tools may help improve confidence in VF and support more informed adoption decisions.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Josh Campbell, Jeff Vitale, Pilja Vitale, Craig Gifford, Santiago Utsumi, Ryan Rueter
  1. Campbell, J. Extension Educator, Ag/ 4-H, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 73111
  2. Vitale, J. Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 74078
  3. Vitale, P. Extension Specialist, Agricultural Economics , New Mexico State University , New Mexico, 88011
  4. Gifford, C. Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, New Mexico State University , New Mexico, 88011
  5. Utsumi, S. Associate Professor of Rangeland and Animal Science, New Mexico State University, New Mexico, 88011
  6. Rueter, R. Associate Professor of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 74078