Guiding Futures: The Power of Virtual Fencing in Ranching
Livestock producers from Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, and California share experiences with the group.
A cow outfitted with one make of a virtual fencing collar
On January 30, 2025, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West buzzed with excitement as the East Yellowstone Collaborative hosted the Wyoming Virtual Fence Symposium, an event that redefined the future of ranching. Attendees, comprised of passionate ranchers, land managers, researchers, and industry professionals, gathered to explore virtual fencing's revolutionary potential. The day was filled with engaging panels, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring stories showcasing this technology's transformative power.
The East Yellowstone Collaborative, under the guidance of LegacyWorks Group’s Regional Director Laura Bell, took the lead in hosting and facilitating the symposium. EYC is deeply committed to promoting working lands' conservation and economic resilience throughout the Absaroka Front. The collaborative recognizes and values the vital contributions of private lands in nurturing wildlife habitats and upholding landscape stewardship for future generations.
Virtual fencing is a revolutionary advancement in livestock management that integrates technology with agriculture. In many situations, it can replace traditional wooden posts and barbed wire using GPS collars and wireless signals, enabling ranchers to create adjustable invisible boundaries through easy-to-use software and apps. As animals near these limits, they receive gentle auditory cues and, if necessary, mild electric stimuli to guide them back. This modern approach improves rotational grazing, protects ecosystems, and reduces fencing costs and labor. Still in the beta testing phase, virtual fencing offers ranchers greater flexibility in managing herds, fostering a more sustainable and harmonious agricultural future.
Oregon ranchers Dan and Kimmy Lickteig’s story stood out in a day full of inspiring narratives. The Lickteigs explained that while celebrating their anniversary five hours away, they received the distressing news that a fire had threatened their property. With their phone and laptop, they leveraged virtual fencing technology to guide the D Bar K Ranch cattle away from danger, demonstrating the innovative capabilities that can provide peace of mind in the most trying circumstances. This real-world example resonated deeply with those present, illustrating the practical benefits and the incredible reassurance this technology can bring to ranchers.
“When we returned home,” Dan shared, “the cattle were all gathered down by the road across from ranch headquarters, and all we had to do was open the boundary gates and let them into the hayfield. The technology is amazing. We’re learning more and more about what’s possible.”
“The technology is amazing. We’re learning more and more about what’s possible.”
Throughout the symposium, participants learned how various virtual fencing solutions enhance grazing efficiency, improve livestock management, and promote wildlife conservation. The camaraderie and collaboration fostered during this event left a lasting impression, empowering attendees with the knowledge and tools to embrace these cutting-edge advancements.
As the day concluded, it was clear that virtual fencing could be a game-changer, helping East Yellowstone ranchers navigate the complexities of modern land management with confidence and innovation. The East Yellowstone Collaborative is proud to support this journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future for working lands in the Absaroka Front region.