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Considering virtual fencing for your operation? Use this resource hub to learn how virtual fencing works, compare available systems and costs, explore management considerations, find financial assistance opportunities, and see results from UNL research.
Pitch & Panel November Webinar Series
Interested in a webinar series dedicated to virtual fence?
The UNL Virtual Fence team has crafted an evening webinar series focused on helping expose producers to all aspects of virtual fence: research, companies, and fellow early adopting producers. As a part of this series, attendees will hear from and about eShepherd, Halter, Monil, and NoFence.
Current Virtual Fencing Opportunities
Heartland Virtual Fence Cost-Share Program
Start here to learn about the program, determine if you have eligibility, explore financial assistance, review participation requirements, FAQs, and current updates for Nebraska and Missouri producers.
Heartland Virtual Fence Program Interest Form
Due to the large volume of applications received, the Heartland Virtual Fence Program team has chosen to pause accepting applications for the program. During this time, we will be accepting interest via this form. Upon completion of the form you will be notified when the applications are open again. For questions, please reach out to Marissa Eekhoff: meekhoff2@unl.edu or 402-472-7379.
Considering Virtual Fencing?
New to Virtual Fencing? Start Here
Learn how virtual fencing works, where it may be useful, and the key questions to consider before deciding whether it fits your grazing operation.
Which Virtual Fencing System Fits Your Operation?
Decided virtual fence is for you? Learn what to consider when comparing systems, including communication method, herd and pasture size, GPS accuracy, battery life, monitoring features, and customer support.
Compare Virtual Fencing Systems Side by Side
Compare the available systems in a simple table exploring infrastructure needs, communication method, battery type, pricing structure, and other product features.
See Virtual Fencing Systems in Action
Watch virtual fencing companies demonstrate their systems and discuss how producers can use them. The recording from December 2024 includes examples of system set up, user interfaces, boundary creation, collar management, and other features. Because products and features are ever evolving, some information in this recording may no longer reflect current offerings.
Estimating the Cost of Virtual Fencing
"What Would Virtual Fencing Cost for My Operation?"
Enter your information about your herd and grazing operation to estimate and compare the costs of different virtual fencing systems.
Already Using Virtual Fence?
Practical Guide to Using Virtual Fence
University of Arizona Virtual Fence User Guide. Find guidance on cattle training, collar deployment and fit, boundary placement, battery and collar management, troubleshooting, animal welfare, and other practical considerations.
UNL Virtual Fencing Research and Results
Research Overview: Can virtual fence make better grazing management easier?
See what we learned from three UNL studies evaluating virtual fencing for strip grazing, changing forage allocation frequency, and managing separate groups of cattle within the same pastures.
Research Report: Can virtual fence replace poly-wire for strip grazing?
A two-year UNL study found virtual fencing was as effective as poly-wire for strip grazing, increasing carrying capacity compared with continuous grazing.
Research Report: Are daily moves better than weekly moves?
See results from this UNL study evaluating how daily, weekly, and continuous forage allocation using virtual fencing impacts steer weight gains, forage utilization, and overall carrying capacity on stockpiled oats.
Research Report: Can I keep two groups of cattle separate using virtual fence?
See results from this UNL study evaluating containment when two groups of cattle were separated using only a virtual boundary.
