Carroll County pasture walk on Sept. 10 to feature virtual fencing
Jasper County location canceled due to unexpected conflict.
8/29/24
AMES, Iowa — New technology in the grazing world may be impossible to see, yet the positive applications are clearly visible. Beth Reynolds, Iowa Beef Center program specialist, said virtual fencing may provide opportunities for more grazing areas.
“The livestock industry has really taken an interest in precision ag, and hearing from others with firsthand experience is invaluable when deciding if and how different technologies can be utilized within our personal operations,” she said.
IBC and the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council will host a Carroll County pasture walk featuring NoFence, a virtual fencing company, to highlight new technology in the grazing world. This virtual fencing technology could give producers more options for grazing harder-to-fence areas, in addition to adding much more flexibility to rotational grazing systems.
“Virtual fence is a newer technology that has seen large advancements in the last few years," Reynolds said. "Opportunities to hear from producers utilizing this technology are still few and far between. The potential for this technology to improve grazing management and forage utilization for all livestock species is huge.”
The discussion will offer insights into the host producer’s experience with virtual fencing with both cattle and small ruminants. Other discussion topics include weed management, multispecies grazing, potential applications for virtual fence, and other technologies in the grazing world. Speakers include the host producer; a representative from NoFence, the virtual fencing company used by this producer; and Iowa State University extension specialists.
The pasture walk is Sept. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m., and will be hosted by Brice Hundling at 11879 Birch Ave, Breda. His operation utilizes virtual fence collars on both sheep and cattle. He will share how utilizing the collars has expanded the opportunities for their operation. Supper will be provided onsite for program attendees.
Attendance is free, although RSVPs are encouraged by Sept. 9 to help with meal planning. To RSVP, call the Carroll County extension office at 712-792-2364. Or email the Iowa Beef Center.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Beth Reynolds, ISU Extension and Outreach program specialist, 515-294-9881, bethr@iastate.edu
