Virtual Fencing Aids Remote Farm Management
New GPS collar technology helps distant family members assist with daily operations on sixth-generation farms.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Agriculture
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Elizabeth Bergschneider is using virtual fencing technology to remotely manage her family's cattle operation while living three and a half hours away. This system supports succession planning and assists her father, who manages the farm in his mid-70s.
Why it matters
The adoption of GPS-enabled fencing provides essential labor support for aging agricultural operators. It allows family members to stay involved in management, easing the transition for multi-generational operations.
The sixth-generation cow-calf operation utilizes Monil Virtual Fences, which pair GPS-mounted collars with app-based monitoring. Cattle typically adapt to the virtual boundaries within a 7-day training window.
The players
Elizabeth Bergschneider
A family member who manages portions of her family farm remotely using GPS technology.
Monil Virtual Fences
The manufacturer that designs GPS-enabled collars and accompanying tracking software for livestock management.
The details
The system allows for remote tracking of cattle movement via an app, which displays real-time activity and location information. Users plan to implement heat maps for rotational grazing to improve efficiency and reduce the need for winter hay.
Timeline
Most cattle learn to respond to the virtual fence during the first 3 days of training.
Cattle are typically fully trained to the system within 7 days.
Market Landscape
The integration of virtual fencing in rotational grazing systems has revolutionized how families manage aging agricultural operations by allowing for remote oversight. This shifts the market toward tech-enabled labor solutions, positioning companies like Monil against traditional infrastructure providers.
Small-scale or family-run farms can leverage these tools to maintain productivity despite a lack of on-site labor. The move toward app-based tracking can help lower operational overhead for multi-generational farms facing succession challenges.
The takeaway
Virtual fencing represents a significant shift in managing livestock by enabling remote supervision and improved grazing patterns. Families managing agricultural land should consider if such GPS technologies can support long-term operational sustainability for aging managers.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in Agriculture and how they are changing modern farming techniques.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RFD-TV.
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