Local beef producers gathered at Sandigo in the NSW Riverina on 13 August to see how technology is changing the way cattle can be managed on-farm.

Hosted by beef producer Michael Gooden, owner and manager of Old Man Creek Grass-fed Bull, the field day provided a practical look at Halter’s virtual fencing and smart collar technology.

Attendees saw firsthand how cattle can be virtually fenced and moved between grazing areas, while farmers can monitor individual animal behaviour and make grazing decisions from their phone.

Gooden is using virtual fencing to make better use of his available pasture, while the collars provide real-time insights into how his cattle are spending their time. Data on grazing, rumination, walking, resting and lying behaviour is helping him understand his herd’s needs and make more informed decisions about when cattle should be moved between paddocks.

Rather than relying solely on visual observations, the technology gives producers access to detailed information about cattle behaviour, helping them manage grazing more precisely, improve pasture utilisation and identify changes in individual animals earlier.

The event also explored broader grazing management principles, with presentations and discussions involving Gooden, Halter representatives and RCS consultant Andrew Dowd.

A live paddock demonstration allowed attendees to see virtual fencing in operation, followed by a panel discussion on the future of technology, grazing management and the evolving role of data in Australian beef production.

The field day highlighted how virtual fencing and connected livestock technology can give beef producers greater control over their cattle and grazing management, while reducing the time and labour involved in routine livestock movements and helping them make better use of available pasture.