eShepherd is a new agricultural technology to control and move cattle whereby individual animals are fitted with an intelligent neckband which virtually connects to a base station and the eShepherd web application.
A grazier wanting to contain or move animals to a particular area can use the app to create a virtual paddock on their property.
The $335,000 Innovation and Systems Change grant will be used to apply eShepherd to protect the Great Barrier Reef from sediment run-off into waterways and to collect data on the effectiveness of the system in reliably keeping stock from entering sensitive riparian areas.
A desktop study will also be completed to demonstrate the costs and benefits of using the technology as part of an integrated approach to improved grazing land management.
Agersens’ chief executive officer Jason Chaffey said he was thrilled to be part of a program designed to result in new or better practices, tools and approaches to farming, grazing and land restoration that achieved positive outcomes for landholders, while improving water quality.
“We believe we are part of the solution to improving land management practices, both in catchment areas and more broadly across the Australian grazing sector, through virtual fencing,” Mr Chaffey said.
“eShepherd allows graziers to cost-effectively establish virtual fences in challenging terrain typically unsuitable for traditional fencing.
“The cost of traditional fencing and its maintenance can be huge to a grazing business, however we now offer a solution to allow landowners to protect sensitive areas and minimise topsoil run-off into the waterways, by keeping stock away from eroding gullies and streambanks.
“Beyond stock exclusion, eShepherd also provides an opportunity for graziers to adopt improved grazing practice change across an entire property.”
For more information on eShepherd or to become part of the new trial program, contact Agersens at: info@agersens.com.au
