When Allan and Michelle Gillbanks moved to their lifestyle property in Cambridge, NZ, they needed a way to keep their two miniature schnauzers safely contained. “They can be little escape artists, so we needed a foolproof solution to keep Gypsy and Bentley on our property and other dogs out,” says Allan. The couple had investigated pet proof fencing options for around their home and fencing off a separate area inside the house boundary for their canine companions. But they were quoted thousands of dollars.

A random social media post prompted the Gillbanks to look into one of Gallagher’s electric fencing solutions for cats and dogs. “My wife Michelle saw a Facebook post from a Gallagher employee who was using the fencing system for his dogs and we thought, that’s exactly what we need,” says Allan. Their lifestyle property was already fenced, with standard seven wire fences around the home. It even came complete with insulators, so it was ready to be powered up. The only thing the Gillbanks needed to do was fence a five-metre strip to split the yard in half and create a contained space for Gypsy and Bentley.

“Using a basic wire, a few Waratah Standards and Gallagher’s S6 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer for power, Gypsy and Bentley were safely contained within 25 minutes,” says Allan. Within a few minutes of powering up the fence, Gypsy and Bentley realised there were “ghosts in the garden” and did not go near the white electric fence wires.

Allan wishes they had found the Gallagher fencing solution sooner. The couple had previously spent a small fortune on an outdoor crate for their pets. Allan says they were difficult to put together and eventually got destroyed in a storm. “The Gallagher system was so easy to install and really is value for money.” The S6 Lithium is solar powered, which means Allan can set it and forget it. 

“We don’t need to change or charge batteries and we know it will be powered 24/7. There’s nothing we need to do to manage it. It’s so easy to use, anyone can do it. “You just push a button to turn it on and push a button to turn it off. If I’m mowing around the house, I just turn it off, move the Waratah fence, mow the lawn and turn it on again.”

Allan says many lifestyle block owners with dogs think electric fencing is expensive and just for large scale farmers. But the Gillbanks’ experience shows that, with the right products for the job, it can be versatile and cost effective.

For South Canterbury dairy graziers Nigel and Gina Gardner spending hours moving break fences every day is a thing of the past thanks to Gallagher’s virtual fencing solution, eShepherd™.

The couple operates an intensive grazing operation across 350 hectares, running up to 800 dairy heifers, raising 150 jersey bulls for breeding and maintaining a small herd of 90 beef steers.

Efficient pasture management is at the heart of their operation. They need to effectively manage pasture residuals to keep their grass growing year-round and optimise their grazing to get the best animal growth rates possible for their clients.

“We have more fences than the average grazier because we run our dairy grazers in smaller mobs so we can focus on getting great growth rates for our clients,” says Gina.

“I used to be a dairy farmer, so I know where heifer weights need to be and I don't want to be sending anything back that I'm not happy with,” says Nigel.

However, their approach saw Nigel moving up to 20 break fences a day, so they started searching for a better way. They discovered eShepherd, which they started using on 150 grazing heifers in October 2023.

eShepherd trains cattle to remain within a virtual fencing barrier, which Nigel has set up on his laptop ready to activates from an app on his phone. It allows him to move and contain the livestock anywhere on the farm. The system also provides 24/7 insights and data on animal health and performance.

“It was amazing to see how easily and quickly the cows adapted. The biggest job was actually unpacking all the neckbands, activating each one and getting them turned on. As far as putting them on the animals and getting the virtual fencing working, within half a day, the heifers knew what was going on,” says Nigel.

Pasture is the backbone of the Gardner’s business. While they have had some good seasons recently, Nigel says the seasons are changing and becoming drier, which will present challenges for them.

“How we manage our pasture is key,” says Nigel. “I can't have mobs free-ranging and burning up pasture because then I end up needing a lot more supplement, which can be costly. Home-grown pasture is the most efficient feed, so we need to be smart about how we use it.”

The couple says Gallagher has been with them every step of the way on their eShepherd journey with after-sales advice and support. Nigel and Gina believe eShepherd has transformed part of their operation and given them better work-life balance.

“I'm not out there winding up electric fences or moving electric fences every day,” says Nigel. “In the eShepherd app, I remove, add and create breaks several days in advance and activate them daily or as necessary at the touch of a button. It’s that easy.”

Nigel and Gina wanted to put the system to the test, so Nigel programmed the breaks before they left for a long weekend. Rather than ask his farm manager to shift the mobs he activated the fence movements himself from their holiday location.

“It worked perfectly. I checked with my farm manager and the mobs had moved onto the new breaks no issues at all,” says Nigel.

He says eShepherd has made grass management so much easier.

“Using eShepherd means I can move mobs at any time of the day or night depending on the feed that’s available,” says Nigel.

“While I’m having breakfast, I use my phone to move the two mobs that have eShepherd neckbands. When I'm out moving those that are behind a traditional electric fence, I quickly check on my eShepherd mobs to make sure they have moved themselves and they're happy. Over time as we get used to using the new technology, I won’t feel the need to do that anymore.”

Gina says eShepherd is saving them time and freeing up brain space to be able to oversee their business in a different way.

“We have been away a couple of times since introducing eShepherd and Nigel's been able to see what's happening on farm, even though he's not here. It gives us real peace of mind,” says Gina.

The Gardners can see the potential to share data from eShepherd with heifer owners to reassure them about their animals’ progress while they are off farm for grazing.

After seeing the benefits of eShepherd over the last five months, Nigel and Gina now plan to expand the use of the virtual fencing solution across their operation, as investment allows.

“We’ve had so much positive feedback from our business partners, clients, and the farming community about the results we’re getting with eShepherd,” says Gina. “There is so much potential for technology to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our farm we would be silly not to consider rolling it out further.”

In the aftermath of devastating wildfires, ranchers face significant challenges in restoring their land and managing livestock effectively. Wildfires often destroy not only vegetation but also miles of traditional fencing, leaving landowners scrambling for solutions to protect recovering areas while maintaining grazing efficiency. Virtual fencing technology, such as eShepherd, has become a revolutionary tool for ranchers navigating these difficult circumstances.

Virtual fencing offers numerous advantages to ranchers as they rebuild after a wildfire:

• Protects Vulnerable Areas: Virtual fencing helps keep livestock out of damaged or regenerating areas, allowing vegetation to recover naturally.

• Reduces Costs: With no need to rebuild or repair physical fences, ranchers save both time and money during the recovery process.

• Supports Erosion Control: By preventing grazing in fire-affected areas, virtual fencing protects fragile soil from erosion.

• Enables Dynamic Management: Ranchers can adjust grazing boundaries as vegetation regrows, making it easier to adapt to changing conditions.

• Promotes Sustainability: Virtual fencing prevents overgrazing, supports biodiversity, and contributes to long-term land health.

• Streamlines Operations: By replacing physical fences with easily adjustable digital boundaries, livestock management becomes more efficient.

• Improves Disaster Resilience: Virtual fencing provides ranchers with a flexible and future-ready tool to cope with the increasing risks of wildfires.

• Enhances Livestock Health: Animals graze in safer, carefully managed zones, reducing stress and promoting well-being.

Environmental Recovery Through Technology

Wildfires leave the land vulnerable to erosion, invasive species, and the loss of vital soil nutrients. Virtual fencing allows ranchers to protect these fragile areas while they recover, encouraging the regrowth of native plants and stabilizing the soil. This contributes to water retention and helps restore the natural biodiversity of the land.

By leveraging this innovative technology, ranchers are not only protecting the environment but also ensuring the future viability of their operations. Virtual fencing allows for precise grazing management, giving ranchers greater control over the recovery process while maintaining their livestock's needs.

Adaptability for a Changing Climate
As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity due to climate change, ranchers need flexible, cost-effective tools to sustain their operations. eShepherd’s virtual fencing system offers a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the realities of modern agriculture. Its adaptability and ease of use make it an essential tool for rebuilding after wildfires and preparing for future challenges.

Shaping the Future of Ranching
The adoption of virtual fencing after wildfires marks a significant evolution in livestock management. Beyond aiding in disaster recovery, tools like eShepherd empower ranchers to operate more sustainably and efficiently. By embracing this technology, ranchers are rebuilding stronger and contributing to broader environmental resilience.

Virtual fencing is not just a recovery tool—it’s the cornerstone of modern ranching in an era of increasing environmental challenges.

In the wide-open plains of South Dakota, a quiet revolution is taking place. At Jorgenson Landing Cattle, CEO Nick Jorgenson is leading the charge by implementing cutting-edge virtual fencing technology to tackle one of modern ranching’s biggest logistical challenges: managing large herds across vast expanses of land without exhausting manpower or infrastructure.

Spanning 13,000 acres and home to 1,500 Angus females, the ranch faced steep demands with traditional rotational grazing methods. Moving cattle with physical fencing was not only labor-intensive but also inefficient. That’s where the Gallagher eShepherd™ virtual fencing system entered the picture — offering a smart, scalable solution that’s already paying dividends.

A New Age of Grazing

By adopting virtual fencing, Jorgenson's team significantly cut down the need for permanent fencing and physical labor. The system uses GPS-enabled neckbands to set virtual boundaries, allowing cattle to be moved or contained using nothing but a mobile app. For Nick, the impact has been twofold: simplified herd management and healthier, more productive pastures.

“We’re mimicking what the bison did here centuries ago,” Nick explains. “This means longer rest periods for the grass, which rejuvenates the land and fosters a healthier ecosystem overall.”

This natural grazing rhythm is more than just eco-friendly; it's regenerative. The grasslands benefit from the rest, the soil recovers, and biodiversity begins to flourish — a rare balance of productivity and conservation in modern agriculture.

Real-Time Control and Peace of Mind

One of the biggest advantages of the Gallagher eShepherd system is the real-time monitoring it provides. With just a glance at his mobile device, Nick can check the location and status of every animal on the property — all without setting foot in the pasture.

This instant oversight allows the ranch team to proactively identify issues such as a stray cow or a malfunctioning collar. The result? Less stress, quicker response times, and greater peace of mind.

Technology That Works for the Rancher

Jorgenson notes that the setup process was surprisingly simple. The eShepherd collars come pre-assembled, minimizing technical hurdles and making it accessible even to those with limited tech experience. The system is intuitive, reliable, and integrates seamlessly into daily ranch operations.

What’s more, Nick has observed notable improvements in cattle behavior and welfare, particularly among calves. The virtual boundaries allow younger animals to graze in more nutrient-rich areas, leading to better growth and nutritional outcomes.

Eye on the Future

Encouraged by the system’s success, Nick plans to expand virtual fencing to the entire herd within five years. His enthusiastic endorsement could signal a broader shift in the industry as ranchers seek sustainable, efficient, and scalable management tools.

“Virtual fencing is more than a tech upgrade,” Nick says. “It’s a paradigm shift in how we think about land stewardship, animal care, and the future of ranching.”

A Model for Modern Ranching

Nick Jorgenson’s experience with the Gallagher eShepherd™ system is a compelling example of how innovation can be harnessed to solve age-old agricultural problems. His approach blends tradition with technology, respecting the land’s natural rhythms while pushing toward a smarter, more sustainable future.

From ecological regeneration to operational efficiency, the story unfolding at Jorgenson Landing Cattle is one of transformation — and it’s only just begun.

When farmers consider adopting a new technology, one of the first questions they (or their accountant or banker) often ask is: “What’s the return on investment?”

It’s a fair question. But when it comes to virtual fencing, it’s also, in many ways, the wrong question.

It’s hard to pin down a single ROI for virtual fencing because the benefits are far more dynamic, interconnected, and farmer-specific than traditional metrics can capture. And while that may seem like a hurdle to adoption, it’s actually a signal of just how powerful and transformative this technology can be.

The ROI Is Real: But It’s Not Always Where You Expect It

Virtual fencing is more than just a high-tech replacement for electric tape and fence posts. It’s a tool that enables a fundamental shift in the way livestock are managed—giving farmers the flexibility to move stock remotely, experiment with rotational or regenerative grazing, and respond in real time to what’s happening on the ground.

For many of our eShepherd farmers, the real value of virtual fencing emerged only after they started using it. In many cases, the return came not just in operational savings, but in unexpected benefits—like improved animal behaviour, better pasture utilisation, fewer injuries, and even improvements in mental wellbeing.

In short, the traditional ROI equation misses the point. This isn’t just about dollars saved; it’s about farming smarter.

A New Lens on Value

Imagine a system that not only saves hours of manual labour but also gives you visibility of your herd at all times, more control over pasture growth, and the freedom to manage grazing from your phone. Virtual fencing enables all of that. But how do you put a price on being able to spend more time with your family, feeling less stressed and more in control. Or on the value of a reduced carbon footprint? How do you quantify a herd that’s calmer, easier to handle, and gaining weight more consistently?

Farmers who have used virtual fencing often report these “soft” benefits as being the most transformative, yet they are the hardest to measure in a conventional ROI spreadsheet.

That’s why we encourage a different approach. Start with your biggest pain point. Whether it’s time, labour, land use, or stock performance, virtual fencing is a tool that can be adapted to help you solve it. Start small, test and learn, and build from there. The returns will follow—and they’ll likely surprise you.

Tech That Grows With You

Virtual fencing is increasingly being paired with tech such as smart weighing platforms, satellite pasture monitoring, and integrated data systems. These technologies work better together, delivering a more holistic view of farm performance and empowering farmers to act with precision.

But even here, the true value only becomes clear over time. Insights from real-time weight gain data might tell you when to move stock. Pasture data might reveal hidden potential in underutilised areas. And AI-driven tools are on the horizon to help interpret it all so farmers get actionable insights, not just more numbers.

Redefining the ROI Conversation

The challenge of defining ROI in advance is not a flaw—it’s a feature. It reflects the complex, interconnected nature of farming and the reality that every farm is different.

Instead of trying to calculate every dollar before making a decision, we invite farmers to think of virtual fencing as an opportunity to unlock new efficiencies, experiment with new ideas, and reclaim time and headspace to focus on what matters most.

And as we’ve seen with our customers across Australia, the US, and New Zealand, once farmers start using the technology, the value becomes unmistakable.

Let’s move the conversation beyond “What’s the ROI?” to “What’s possible?”

In the sandy soils of southwest Western Australia, just over two hours south of Perth, Kevin Nettleton and his sons Ewen and Campbell are transforming the way they manage their Limousin cattle stud. With 50 breeding cows and 13 yearling heifers, their operation is a blend of tradition and innovation—now powered by eShepherd virtual fencing technology.

From Struggle to Surplus

After years of battling poor pasture growth, Kevin made the shift to regenerative farming. “We’ve traditionally struggled for grass over the last three years,” Kevin explains. “Now, we have a surplus—which is unbelievable.”

The change wasn’t just about grazing strategy. Youngest son Ewen introduced chickens into the rotation, moving them daily through the paddocks after the cattle. Their manure has supercharged pasture regrowth, with fresh feed reaching shin height within three weeks during the growing season.

Virtual Fencing: A Game Changer

The Nettleton family adopted eShepherd for their breeding cows. Upon initial fitting, reactions ranged from calm acceptance to brief bucking, but the animals quickly adapted. “There wasn’t any lengthy training,” Kevin says. “They just responded to the audio warnings. We haven’t had any cross the virtual fence.”

The system has allowed oldest son Campbell to manage grazing with precision. He uses virtual paddocks to rotate stock, protect wet areas, and funnel animals through laneways, all without lifting a single polywire. “It’s been a game changer for us,” Kevin says. “Our cows and calves have never done as well as they have since we’ve had eShepherd.”

Low-Stress Calving and Monitoring

Calving takes place from March to June, initially in physical paddocks under close supervision. Once calves are on the ground, the Nettleton’s transition the herd to virtual paddocks. The system lets them monitor cow behavior remotely—often from the comfort of home.

“You could be lying in bed, turn on the app, and see a cow off on her own,” Kevin says. “Most of the time, she’s calving or has just calved. It’s a very easy way to check without having to be there all the time.”

As calves grow, they begin grazing further from their mothers. Kevin recently spotted a group of 14 calves happily grazing 150 metres away, while their mothers rested nearby.

Smart Movement and Leadership in the Herd

Kevin’s cows are very relaxed and expert at responding to virtual paddock changes. “We just change the fences and they move accordingly,” he says. “We’ve got a cow called T16—she’s an ultimate leader. She knows when the fence has been shifted and brings the rest of the mob with her.”

Kevin and his sons are also using virtual laneways to guide cattle to yards for vet work or mustering. “Previously, you’d spend frustrating time on a quad trying to get them in,” he says. “Now, it’s easy. Once they’re used to it, they don’t go where they’re not supposed to.”

Reliable Tech, Even in Tough Conditions

Despite operating in a low-lying area with variable weather, Kevin hasn’t had issues with battery life or connectivity. “We’ve just been changed over to 5G. We get one bar and have no issues,” he says. Even in wet seasons, the system helps him exclude waterlogged areas and protect soil structure.

Looking Ahead

Kevin’s experience is a testament to how virtual fencing can support regenerative farming, improve animal welfare, and simplify day-to-day management. “It just makes management so much easier,” he says. “It’s fabulous.”

Why eShepherd Works for the Nettleton’s

• Precision grazing across mixed soil types and leased land
• Improved cow and calf condition through rotational grazing
• Seamless integration with regenerative practices, including poultry
• Reduced stress and labour during calving and mustering

For Kevin, eShepherd isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformational shift in how he manages his stud. His story shows what’s possible when smart technology meets thoughtful stewardship in Western Australia.

Cam Lourie is sheep and beef manager at Limestone Downs - a sprawling 3,214-hectare farm, 15km South of Port Waikato.

With an operational platform of 2,250 hectares, Limestone Downs is home to a sheep, beef and dairy unit, with 6,800 mixed aged ewes, 2,200 hoggets, and 1,000 R1 and R2 cattle.

Maintaining fencing infrastructure on such a large property is a significant undertaking, so Cam was looking for an effective, long-term solution.

“The old lines on the coastal side of the property needed replacing, so I was on the lookout for fencing that could handle the coastal conditions, where we struggle with rust and erosion from sea spray,” he says.

“I knew I wanted to move away from our current polyrod fencing, so after evaluating the options I decided to try out the Insulated Line Posts.”

The system includes a fully insulated polyethylene and fibreglass post for low cost, low maintenance, permanent electric fencing for sheep, cattle, deer and horses. It comes with pre-formed wire attachments with snap-on clips.

Since making that decision and installing the first blocks of posts over 2.5km, Cam has been impressed with the posts’ ease of use and straightforward installation.

“Traditional posts take a lot of effort to put in, and on the coast the staples eventually rust out. The Insulated Line Post system is simple to install and the nylon snap-on clips mean we don’t need any staples.

“If for any reason we need to replace the fence wire, we can easily run new wire through the posts without the hassle of pulling out staples.”

Being a steep property, Cam says it is not always practicable to get machinery and manpower in to dig holes and ram posts.

“The Insulated Line Post system is also a time-saver. You can put up a whole line of posts in one day by yourself.

“While the posts themselves might be a bit more of an investment, the time saved by not having to dig holes and the longevity they offer, make them an attractive option.”

Now Cam has his Insulated Line Posts installed, he has found that power is running through them really well and they have been effective at keeping stock where they should be.

Over time, he says he is keen to see how the posts perform out in the elements as well.

“We’ll continue to install the posts along the coast for the next year. We have kilometres and kilometres of fencing that is, or soon will be, due for replacement, so I’m hoping we’ve found our permanent fix.”

To learn more visit am.gallagher.com/en/Products/Insulated-Line-Post or speak to your local Territory Manager.

Keep pets in and pests out. A compact, portable, and super reliable solution for long lasting, self-sufficient protection for your garden and pets. An electric fence provides a safe and effective barrier to deter pests from entering your garden or your pets from exiting your property.

This kit includes everything you need to construct an electric fence:

1 x S6 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer

1 x Earth Stake

1 x Poly Wire - 200m roll

10 x 10mm Fibreglass Posts

50 x 10mm Spring Grip Clips

1 x Warning Sign

1 x Screw-in Insulator Drill Bit

10 x Screw-in Ring Insulator

4 x Adjuster Clips

1 x 10mm Driver Cap