Virtual fencing to restore burned rangeland
New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension is exploring virtual fencing technology. The project is in response to flooding that destroyed hundreds of miles of fences in the Black Fire in 2022. More than 325,000 acres of forest and rangelands in the southern portion of the of the Gild National Forest were burned as well as the forage base.
With virtual fencing, livestock wear collars that communicate with GPS and reception towers. When livestock reach the boundaries of the virtual fence, a series of audible tones are activated. If they continue, a series of shocks are sent through the collars.
The project’s key objectives include training producers on the use of virtual fencing to contain livestock, implement grazing management distribution and help recovery of rangelands impacted by wildfire in the state. Best management practices are being developed along with a framework to use virtual fencing during and after natural disasters.
Project supported by USDA Capacity – Research and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds.
