Using Virtual Fence after a Wildfire - A Producer's Perspective

In this episode of UNL BeefWatch, host Aaron Berger speaks with Jesse Jarvis, a third-generation rancher from southern Idaho, about her family's innovative use of virtual fencing technology following devastating wildfires in 2024. After two fires burned through their primary winter grazing allotments—both of which were federally managed and ecologically sensitive—Jarvis and her family faced the urgent challenge of finding alternative grazing options without violating environmental protections or incurring prohibitive fence installation costs. With federal land managers at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offering support and guidance, they implemented Vence technology virtual fencing, leveraging a borrowed tower and collars to create temporary digital boundaries. The process, which included a four-day training period for the cattle, proved highly effective, allowing them to graze unburned portions of their permits without permanent infrastructure. The solution saved an estimated $10,000 compared to feeding hay and avoided tens of thousands in fence costs. Jarvis shares that the technology not only solved an immediate crisis but also revealed long-term benefits, including data-driven grazing insights, herd behavior tracking, and potential for future rotational grazing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of BLM collaboration and cautions that virtual fencing is best suited for single-herd operations due to challenges in managing mixed herds on public lands. The episode underscores the growing role of precision agriculture tools in climate-resilient ranching, particularly in fire-prone Western regions. Jarvis advocates for broader adoption of virtual fencing among producers facing similar post-wildfire challenges, noting its potential to preserve genetic herds, reduce culling, and support sustainable land use. She also highlights the need for careful planning, especially around training, boundary placement, and integration with existing management systems. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s ongoing research and resource tools are recommended for producers exploring virtual fencing. Overall, the story illustrates how adversity can spark innovation, turning a crisis into a catalyst for modernizing ranching practices through technology and partnership.