Back in November, the USDA and the Department of the Interior announced a partnership promising something many Western cattle producers haven’t heard in years: more opportunity for grazing on public lands, not less.

Fencing is a critical tool for enhancing grazing management through managing livestock access and distribution. However, constructing physical fences, both permanent and temporary, can be labor-intensive and costly. The introduction of virtual fencing into North America has many ranchers wondering how it works and whether it fits their operations.

Despite poor winter weather, 53 hardy individuals gathered in Kelliher, Saskatchewan, on Jan. 15, 2026, for a virtual fence field day. Roughly half of the attendees traveled an hour or more to attend, highlighting the strong interest in the emerging technology across the Prairies.

As we begin another year, I’m grateful for fresh beginnings. Although, I have to say, every new year that comes I personally don’t feel new – and I don’t sense that my life has changed. Yet, that change of the calendar often brings a sense of rebirth and renewal.

Lone Star Ranch took the plunge with virtual fencing to better utilize pasture and eliminate fencing challenges in tough terrain.

Cowboys and farmers tend to emphasize the differences between pasture and range, but when we bring it back to the plant level, there are more similarities than differences.

Halter, a technology company increasing productivity on U.S. cattle ranches with its virtual fencing and animal management system, has raised $100 million in a Series D fundraising round, valuing the company at $1 billion.

They discuss of the real-life application of virtual fencing and the adoption of technology into day-to-day ranch management. The podcast crew also welcomes Progressive Cattle summer intern Taryn Cox and tests their knowledge of global export markets and cattle inventory numbers.

Swath grazing is an economic management strategy that helps ranchers extend their grazing practices into the spring and winter months. It has been shown that swath grazing can reduce the cost of beef production by over 40%.

Virtual fencing implements GPS tracking and collar-based deterrents to allow ranchers to manage cattle without the need for physical fencing.