Virtual fencing systems are increasingly being used to manage livestock grazing and to assist in regenerative agriculture practices. However, this type of technology is often expensive to deploy at scale and there have been few studies of the benefits of using such approaches in upland areas. In this talk we describe the results of a collaborative project where virtual fencing was used to remotely manage a hefted flock of sheep in an upland commons area in the western Bannau Brycheiniog. We discuss how effective the virtual fence was as at controlling the flock over different stages of the season, how the technology enabled additional insights into animal behaviour, and how the farmer responded and adapted their own behaviour with the use of the technology.
About the Speaker
Professor Codling’s current research focus is on developing and using novel tracking technology and modelling tools to analyse the movement and behaviour of managed animals in order to gain insights into health, welfare and to improve management.
The project described in this talk is a joint collaboration with Hywel Morgan (who farms near Myddfai, at the western end of Bannau Brycheiniog), Gareth Enticott (Cardiff University), and Chris Short and Damian Maye (both University of Gloucestershire).
