Farmers in New South Wales will soon be able to adopt virtual fencing and herding technology to enhance farm productivity, following a decision by the NSW Government to overturn a long-standing prohibition.

The move brings NSW in line with other parts of Australia, as well as New Zealand and the United States, where the technology has been available for several years.

“The NSW Government has listened to the farming industry and will work with both industry and animal welfare groups to ensure we get the right balance for delivering virtual fencing on farms,” NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said.

“These changes seek to reduce costs for farming and to enable agile paddock formation across land holdings to meet the needs of farmers while also protecting the welfare of cattle.

“The Government will now consider amendments to the POCTA (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Regulation and undertake consultation with key stakeholders, including industry and animal welfare organisations.”

NSW Farmers has campaigned for change for some time.

“With virtual fences, farmers can protect sensitive areas of the environment, reduce their fencing costs and even move livestock to safe areas in natural disasters without putting humans or animals at risk,” NSW Farmers Dairy Committee member Robert McIntosh said.  

“Fencing off noxious weeds to be controlled and adjusting grazing spaces to make the best possible use of available pasture are all other possibilities for boosting farm productivity and sustainability using virtual fencing.

“There’s no end to the advantages of this tool, and so there’s no reason we shouldn’t be out there using it.

“Virtual fences are the way of the future for many farmers, and so we stand ready to help get this technology rolled out and in action across the state.

“Technology has so many benefits to offer farmers, and we need to be making use of it if we want to feed the future,” Mr McIntosh said.

The decision will have a direct benefit to farmers, who say they will be able to reduce time and money spent installing and maintaining physical fences, gates and stock grids.

Virtual fencing is more resilient and flexible in the face of natural disasters such as fires and floods, as virtual fences are not physically damaged in the same way as traditional stock barriers.

There is also the potential to reduce labour costs by automating tasks like fencing and moving animals which also improves pasture management.

Halter, a leading provider of virtual fencing and herding solutions, has welcomed the announcement. 

"The NSW Government has responded to a groundswell of demand from farmers seeking this technology and the productivity gains it offers," said Halter spokesman Charlie Baker.

Baker also acknowledged the role of New Zealand farmers in driving the adoption of virtual fencing. 

"Kiwi farmers have been at the forefront of virtual fencing for years, and their experience has been influential in bringing about this change in NSW."

NSW has a substantial beef industry, with 4.4 million beef cattle, representing approximately 20 per cent of Australia’s total beef population. Historically, NSW farmers have been restricted from using virtual fencing due to outdated legislation.

This policy shift is part of a broader trend towards the adoption of virtual fencing across Australia. 

In February, the South Australian Government also legislated to allow the technology, with regulations expected within 12 months. South Australia also has a significant agriculture sector, with over one million head of cattle.