Cows grazing with virtual fencing collars in an Ellinbank trial.
Victorian farmers will be able to join the rest of the nation in using new technology to create virtual fences on farms, writes GEOFF ADAMS.
The Victorian Government has given approval for the introduction of virtual fences on farms, but there will be a wait before equipment providers can get approvals through.
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Virtual fencing allows farmers to remotely map and control livestock grazing behaviour without the use of fixed fences. This technology, which was first developed in 2005, uses Global Positioning System sensors and wireless technologies to control the movement and location of animals.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced the new regulations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, giving farmers access to virtual fencing and virtual herding technology.
These new regulations come with safeguards and requirements, providing farmers with smarter tools to manage livestock with precision, boost productivity and keep animal welfare a top priority.
Victorian manufacturers can apply to Agriculture Victoria for their virtual fencing technology to be approved, with the first products expected to be approved in early February.
The new regulations were developed following engagement with industry, manufacturers, researchers and animal welfare groups on virtual fencing to better understand the impacts of this technology on animal welfare.
A demonstration of virtual fencing technology took place at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland between July 2024 and May 2025.
Dairy cattle were fitted with solar-powered smart collars that use audio, vibration and electronic cues to contain animals within a virtual fence and guide them to areas of the farm via a mobile phone app. The system also allowed farm staff to monitor the cows’ location, health and reproductive status.
The technology was also recently approved by the NSW Government.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the long-awaited decision was set to transform farm management, animal welfare and industry sustainability in one of Australia’s largest livestock sectors.
“This is a huge step forward that will deliver real, on-farm productivity and welfare benefits for dairy and livestock farmers across Victoria,” he said.
“We’ve been working hard to get to this decision from the very beginning. Victoria’s livestock and dairy sector is poised to see productivity gains in excess of tens of millions of dollars and is now ready to step into the future.
“This announcement is the culmination of years of behind the scenes work and we thank Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for backing this technology and working with us to get it done.”
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free said the approval of the technology would help ensure Victoria’s dairy industry had the certainty it needed to innovate and remain globally competitive.
“Virtual fencing technology is an absolute game-changer for Victorian dairy farmers,” he said.
“It allows farmers to rotate pastures more efficiently, protect environmentally sensitive areas, improve animal health outcomes and provides a safer work environment.”
A paddock being grazed with virtual fencing at Ellinbank.
