First virtual fencing system approved for use in South Australia

SOUTH Australian primary producers will have access to game-changing technology to improve cattle management and reduce infrastructure costs with the first virtual fencing system approved for use in the state.

The State Government has approved the Halter P5 virtual fencing system for sale or lease in South Australia, which can be used to virtually keep dairy and beef cattle inside a designated area.

Virtual fencing was legalised in South Australia late last year through an amendment to the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012. The updates allowed manufacturers to apply to the State Government for approval of their virtual fencing technology and system from early 2026.

Virtual fencing can be used for cattle management only, and applications are considered against stringent approval criteria and conditions, which ensure animal welfare is at the forefront of any decisions.

Virtual fencing uses collars capable of producing vibration, sound and electrical stimulus to contain cattle to an assigned area.

The devices deliver sound cues – such as a “beep” – if near a virtual boundary and animals learn that, if they continue their direction of movement towards leaving the virtual boundary, they will receive an electrical stimulus. The stimulus is significantly weaker than the shock from a standard electric fence.

The technology can support more efficient animal and pasture management and reduce costs associated with building and maintaining internal paddock fencing.
Virtual fencing can also allow more precise control over grazing areas, enabling farmers to protect sensitive areas like waterways, native vegetation and wildlife habitat.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said virtual fencing offered potential for improved pasture utilisation, reduced infrastructure costs and greater protection of environmentally sensitive areas.

“We have listened to the livestock industry who have been calling for access to this innovative technology,” Ms Scriven said.

“Halter is the first manufacturer to submit an application since the regulations have been in place, and this approval means they can now sell and lease their product in South Australia.

“It also allows for improved livestock surveillance with producers able to check on the wellbeing of their cattle and pasture conditions through real-time monitoring.”

Key characteristics and approval criteria include:

• Minimum age requirements for collars being placed on an animal
• Training for the animals and the user
• Safeguards to ensure the technology does not prevent an animal from returning to a designated area

“Approval to operate in South Australia is a big step forward for Halter,” Halter strategic relations lead David Nation said.

“We’re grateful to the government for listening to farmers and opening the way for virtual fencing in the state.

“South Australia is a really important state for both beef and dairy farming. We’re seeing strong interest from farmers looking for practical ways to grow and harvest more grass, increase beef production, and better manage dairy businesses.”