No need for physical fences. The virtual fencing market is taking off in Victoria. Photo: Gallagher
Victorian cattle producers now have another virtual fencing option, with Gallagher launching its eShepherd system into the Victorian market.
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The GPS-enabled system uses a solar-powered neckband to hold and move cattle using audio-first cues, allowing producers to subdivide paddocks, rotate grazing and protect sensitive land from a phone, without posts, wire or daily musters
The launch follows the Victorian Government's decision in December 2025 to legalise virtual fencing and herding technology for cattle under new animal welfare regulations, with Halter products already approved for commercial use earlier this year.
Gallagher Animal Management general manager of global strategy and new ventures Sarah Adams said the company had taken a deliberate approach to bringing the technology to market.
"From day one, our focus has been on building a system that works reliably in real-world farming environments and delivers long-term value for farmers," Ms Adams said.
Unlike subscription-based systems, eShepherd is owned outright, which the company said gave producers certainty over their investment.
"Virtual fencing is a significant investment for any farm business, and farmers need confidence they are choosing a system they can rely on for years to come," Ms Adams said.
Ms Adams said the technology had been extensively tested across diverse farming systems around the world before its Victorian rollout, and the first Victorian producers had already deployed it on their properties.
"Technology should make farming simpler, not more complicated," she said.
Gallagher’s eShepherd collars allow farmers to monitor their livestock from an app on their phone. Photo: Gallagher
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