Progress 01/01/23 to 12/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience for this project was beef cattle producers and federal grazing permittees operating in wildfire-impacted regions of the southwestern United States, particularly in southern New Mexico. These individuals typically manage livestock across extensive rangeland systems composed of federal allotments, state lands, and private holdings. Their operations are highly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire and subsequent flooding, particularly due to their reliance on physical infrastructure such as perimeter and interior fencing to comply with grazing permits, manage herd distribution, and protect sensitive ecological zones. Within this group, particular focus was placed on those affected by the 2022 Black Fire, which destroyed large tracts of rangeland and disrupted normal livestock management practices. A secondary audience included ranchers and livestock managers in arid and semi-arid regions across the western United States who face similar environmental risks and operate under comparable management conditions. This group includes both small and large-scale producers managing commercial herds that rely on rangeland grazing as a primary source of forage. Many of these producers experience similar limitations in labor availability, terrain access, and infrastructure investment capacity, and are thus well-positioned to benefit from novel tools that support adaptive livestock management. Another critical audience consisted of public land managers and agency personnel responsible for enforcing and designing grazing management plans on federal lands. This includes staff from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and cooperating state agencies. These individuals are key decision-makers in determining compliance, allotment rotation, and ecological stewardship, particularly in the wake of natural disasters such as wildfire. They serve as important intermediaries between federal grazing policy and the operational realities of livestock producers. Extension educators and specialists were also a target audience, particularly those serving rural and tribal regions impacted by extreme weather events and land degradation. These individuals frequently act as liaisons between the scientific community, agency personnel, and producers. Their role in information dissemination, evaluation, and technology transfer made them critical to the long-term utility and scalability of tools such as virtual fencing systems. Academic professionals, including researchers and students in animal science, rangeland management, and precision agriculture, were another important audience. Graduate and undergraduate students, especially those preparing for careers in livestock production, land management, or agricultural technology, represent a future-oriented audience that can carry forward the innovations and lessons learned from this project. Faculty and research staff represent potential collaborators who may adapt similar approaches to new geographic or production contexts. Another segment of the audience included industry stakeholders such as technology developers, livestock consultants, grazing cooperative managers, and private landowners seeking to adopt or promote innovative livestock containment systems. These groups influence technology availability, pricing, and adoption rates. Their inclusion in the target audience acknowledges the importance of coordinated, cross-sectoral support for implementing new livestock management tools. Lastly, the project recognized the importance of policy influencers, legislators, and emergency preparedness professionals at the county, state, and federal levels. These individuals help shape the regulatory and funding environment in which livestock producers operate, particularly with respect to post-disaster response and the integration of precision agriculture tools in emergency and recovery planning. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One-on-one and small group training sessions were a core component of the project. Ranchers participating in the study received individualized instruction from Extension specialists and researchers on the setup, operation, and maintenance of the virtual fencing (VF) system. This included training on the use of the software platform, proper collar placement and activation, configuration of virtual fence boundaries, and interpretation of data transmitted from collars. These activities were conducted both in-person at ranch sites and via follow-up digital support. Graduate students and technical staff involved in the project received hands-on training in the application of VF collars, including equipment handling, animal behavior observation, and data collection protocols. They also participated in guided learning activities related to GPS tracking systems, LoRaWAN connectivity infrastructure, and digital rangeland mapping. Training emphasized data management and real-time troubleshooting of network-based devices in remote, low-connectivity environments. Additionally, participants were trained on protocols related to animal welfare and research compliance under the guidance of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). These sessions ensured that all personnel handling cattle adhered to ethical standards and understood the behavioral conditioning principles required for effective VF implementation. Professional Development Activities: The project fostered professional development through participation in several workshops, seminars, and conference presentations. Graduate students and faculty presented preliminary findings and implementation strategies at regional and national conferences, including the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) annual meeting. These events provided opportunities for professional networking, feedback on methodology, and exposure to new approaches in digital livestock management and disaster response. Project team members also attended virtual and in-person sessions related to Extension programming in disaster-affected communities, hosted by the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and other affiliated groups. These professional development sessions focused on translating research into practical outreach tools, building cross-agency collaboration, and using technology to support at-risk agricultural systems. Internally, project personnel participated in interdisciplinary learning groups at New Mexico State University. These groups brought together researchers from animal science, range management, data science, and Extension to discuss project progress and share technical knowledge. Through these study groups, graduate students developed greater proficiency in scientific communication, geospatial data analysis, and rangeland monitoring techniques. A closeout meeting provided the opportunity for producers to provide experiential learning. They discussed their experiences with other ranchers and grazing managers. A key component of this workshop was that agency personnel and ranchers from a different forest were in attendance to learn and evaluate the opportunities of VF to potentially mitigate challenges surrounding critical habitat for endangered species and cattle grazing. Overall, the project contributed to the development of professional skills in precision livestock technologies, disaster recovery planning, collaborative research, and field-based data collection. These training and development opportunities not only benefited those directly involved in the project but also expanded the institutional knowledge base and capacity for future work in similar high-impact, rapidly evolving areas of livestock and land management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results and outcomes of this project were shared with multiple communities of interest through targeted outreach, informal education events, public presentations, and professional forums. Dissemination activities were designed to engage both traditional stakeholders in livestock production and broader audiences who may not regularly access or participate in agricultural research, with an emphasis on increasing understanding of science- and technology-based approaches to disaster resilience in food systems. Local and Regional Producer Engagement: Results were communicated directly to cattle producers and land managers through organized field days, on-ranch work sessions, and stakeholder meetings. These events provided opportunities for community members to observe virtual fencing (VF) in action, interact with the project team, and discuss lessons learned. Open collar deployment events invited neighboring ranchers not formally enrolled in the project to attend, ask questions, and evaluate whether VF might be suitable for their own operations. A concluding stakeholder workshop was hosted in a central New Mexico location to share findings with a wide range of ranchers, Extension agents, grazing consultants, and agency partners. This event focused on the practical implications of VF in disaster recovery and included presentations on grazing outcomes, cattle behavior, and VF infrastructure considerations. Discussions at this event also allowed for producer feedback and real-world insights to be integrated into future Extension programming and manuals. Extension and Educational Networks: The project team utilized New Mexico State University's Extension communication infrastructure--including newsletters, county-based Extension updates, and electronic mailing lists--to share project progress and findings. Results and updates were incorporated into regular communications with Extension clientele in wildfire-affected regions and across the state. Additionally, team members coordinated with the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) to share the project as an example of technology-driven disaster response in livestock systems. EDEN involvement helped expand reach to a national network of Extension professionals focused on emergency preparedness and agricultural resilience. A series of posters and presentations were developed to share results with both professional audiences and the general public. These materials were presented at state-level meetings and scientific conferences, such as the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) annual meeting. Abstracts from these presentations were made publicly available and included information on both the science and Extension aspects of the work. Special attention was given to discussing how new technologies can help communities rebuild and maintain operations after natural disasters, making the research relatable to broader social and economic concerns. Increasing Awareness and Interest in Science and Technology Careers: To expand public understanding and interest in science-based careers, the project engaged undergraduate and graduate students in all phases of the research, including collar deployment, animal handling, data collection, and interpretation. These students gained real-world experience in livestock technology, rangeland ecology, and interdisciplinary collaboration--fields that intersect with agriculture, engineering, computer science, and environmental sciences. Their involvement was highlighted in educational materials and shared during student-focused seminars and departmental outreach efforts. Additionally, informal science communication occurred through public conversations at community meetings, local livestock associations, and with tribal and rural producers who may not have regular contact with university research personnel. These interactions created a bridge between research and real-world application, promoting greater awareness of the scientific method, the role of innovation in food systems, and the need for adaptable solutions in changing climates. Public Communication and Policy Engagement: The project generated interest among land management agencies and public policy stakeholders. Research summaries and key outcomes were shared with representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and other relevant agencies overseeing grazing permits. These communications helped increase understanding of VF's potential to protect public lands, reduce post-disaster ecological damage, and support continued livestock production. Project updates were also included in media outreach efforts aimed at improving public understanding of agricultural challenges following wildfire. In collaboration with the university's communications team, summaries of project goals and preliminary outcomes were developed for lay audiences and disseminated through websites, newsletters, and stakeholder briefings. These efforts reinforced the public relevance of livestock resilience research and encouraged broader appreciation of how modern science can address traditional land management problems. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project directly benefited ranchers affected by wildfire and flooding in southern New Mexico by offering a rapid, technology-based solution to livestock containment challenges. With traditional fencing destroyed, producers were unable to comply with grazing regulations or maintain operations. By introducing and supporting the use of virtual fencing (VF), the project allowed producers to regain control over herd movement, protect ecologically sensitive areas, and continue utilizing their permitted grazing lands. As a result, ranchers experienced improved management capacity and operational resilience. These outcomes benefit society at large by protecting the integrity of public lands, supporting rural economies, and laying the foundation for digital disaster response tools in agriculture. The project also expanded awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of VF systems as a viable alternative to physical fencing in post-disaster and remote rangeland contexts. Objective 1 The project enrolled two ranches operating on federal allotments within areas severely impacted by the Black Fire. Over 200 cattle were fitted with virtual fencing collars provided by Vence®. Producers received individualized support and were trained in how to configure, monitor, and adjust the VF systems. Prior to deployment, pastures were assessed for signal strength and topographic barriers, and LoRaWAN relay towers were placed accordingly. Cattle were conditioned to the system using physical fences in conjunction with audio and pulse cues. After four days of training, the herds were released into designated virtual pastures for extended testing and use. GPS location data and behavioral responses were recorded via collar logs. The project also collected producer feedback through pre- and post-implementation surveys. Communication packet success rates were monitored to evaluate network connectivity, and collar performance was tracked over time. After more than 200 days, cattle containment was estimated at 79% and 94% on the two sites. Cattle learned to respond primarily to audio tones, reducing reliance on pulses and improving the welfare profile of the system. Producers reported that the collars reduced cattle gathering time by 1-2 weeks and allowed them to maintain scheduled grazing rotations. The use of virtual fencing resulted in several key outcomes. Producers gained knowledge and confidence in using VF systems, with both adopting the technology for continued use after the conclusion of the formal study. Their actions reflected a shift in behavior from reliance on traditional fencing to proactive digital herd management. As a result, both ranches successfully maintained grazing compliance and protected sensitive rangeland areas despite widespread infrastructure loss. These changes in knowledge, action, and condition reflect meaningful advancements in livestock management resiliency following disaster events. Objective 2 This objective focused on identifying the most effective strategies for VF deployment in large, rugged environments. Collars were used to manage cattle on pastures that varied in size, terrain, and vegetation type. VF boundaries were adjusted throughout the study to evaluate cattle behavior under both fixed and dynamic configurations. Natural barriers and residual fencing were combined with VF to assess containment performance. In addition to animal tracking, vegetation monitoring was conducted inside and outside of exclusion zones to assess the ecological impact of controlled grazing. Collar performance data indicated consistent success in animal tracking and control despite variable connectivity. Cattle behavior adjusted over time, with increased reliance on warning tones and fewer pulse events, suggesting strong learning and adaptation. Vegetation assessments showed improved recovery in protected areas and acceptable forage use in actively grazed zones. These results led to notable changes in understanding and management. Producers and advisors learned how to customize VF layouts to meet conservation goals and better manage grazing distribution. This new knowledge was applied to create buffer zones around riparian areas without the need for permanent fencing. As a result, producers were able to demonstrate compliance with federal permit requirements--an important change in condition that supports both environmental and operational outcomes. Objective 3 Through this project, a practical and transferable framework for VF deployment in disaster recovery scenarios was developed. This included protocols for collar acquisition, animal training, technology setup, data management, and collaboration with federal land managers. Producers were consulted on usability and infrastructure needs, and their experiences helped inform recommendations for future deployments in emergency contexts. Qualitative data collected through oral interviews highlighted key limitations and opportunities. Producers emphasized the importance of up-front training and real-time troubleshooting support. Land management partners noted the potential of VF to maintain grazing compliance and ecological protections when physical infrastructure was damaged or inaccessible. The project also identified the value of hybrid systems that use terrain, residual fencing, and digital boundaries to maximize containment efficiency. The framework developed during this project led to several important outcomes. Stakeholders involved in land management and disaster recovery increased their knowledge of VF systems and their capacity to serve as a post-disaster management tool. Producers began to view VF as a practical alternative in emergency conditions and adapted their management practices accordingly. As a result, the project contributed to long-term improvements in the adaptive capacity of ranching systems facing wildfire, drought, and infrastructure loss.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2025
Citation:
Utilizing Virtual Fence in Response to Wildfire. Journal of Extension
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Gifford, C.A., S. Utsumi, M. Ward, P. Vitale, A. Cox, J. Vitale, and S. Marta. 2024. Virtual Fencing Using E-Collars on New Mexico Cattle Ranches: Part 1 of 2
Guide. B-132. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Luis Ochoa, Santiago A Utsumi, Sara Marta, Andres Ricardo Perea, Maximiliano J Spetter, Marcy Ward, Casey Spackman, Doug Cram, Craig A Gifford, PSX-12 Implementation of virtual fencing technology to build resiliency of agriculture systems impacted by wildfire and subsequent flooding, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 102, Issue Supplement_3, September 2024, Pages 602603
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
AN EXTENSION PERSPECTIVE: IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL FENCING TECHNOLOGY TO BUILD RESILIENCY OF AGRICULTURE SYSTEMS IMPACTED BY WILDFIRE AND SUBSEQUENT FLOODING Craig Gifford, Luis Ochoa, Santiago A. Utsumi, Sara Marta, Andres Ricardo Perea, Maximiliano J. Spetter, Marcy Ward, Casey Spackman, Doug Cram, Tom Dean, and Marshall Wilson. 2024 EDEN Conference, Salt Lake City Utah.
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