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24  questions
24  questions
Démarrer avec eShepherd

What is eShepherd and how does it work?

A virtual fencing system using GPS-enabled neckbands and a mobile app. You draw virtual fences on a digital map; the neckbands keep animals within the boundary using sound, with a mild pulse only if they cross.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

Can virtual fencing replace physical fences?

Mostly yes. eShepherd replaces internal cross-fencing entirely, no posts, wires, or manual repairs. Most operations keep boundary fences for stock-proofing and biosecurity, but break the interior into virtual paddocks and adjust them in minutes from the app. Improves pasture productivity, feed efficiency, and reduces infrastructure costs. Also useful for waterway protection and land care compliance.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

What is the minimum herd size for training?

At least 20 animals. Once trained, you can split into smaller mobs as long as each group has leaders and followers.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

Can I use eShepherd with other types of livestock?

Designed for most cattle breeds over 200 kg / 440 lb, including bulls. Not suitable for sheep or goats.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

How do I set up eShepherd on my property?

Gallagher assesses your property and recommends either Direct to Cellular or Base Stations (for patchy coverage). They deliver hardware ready to go and guide you through fitting, training, and app setup.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

Why buy instead of subscribe?

One-off purchase with a 7-10 year lifespan means no subscription creep. Firmware and software updates are included. Data fees are only charged on active neckbands. Build an indicative quote to see what your operation would cost.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

Is there any funding available?

Various cost-share programs exist by region. Gallagher links to a Farm Subsidy Tracker tool.

Démarrer avec eShepherd

Is the eShepherd neckband a GPS cattle collar?

Yes. eShepherd uses the term neckband because the device is fitted around the animal's neck and designed for long-term wear. Many producers search for this category as GPS cattle collars, virtual fencing collars, or smart cattle collars.

Matériel et connectivité

Does eShepherd need towers?

No. eShepherd cellular uses existing mobile networks (Telstra, Verizon, Spark, Vodafone, etc.), no proprietary infrastructure. For properties without cellular coverage, the LoRa flavour uses small on-property base stations (not towers) typically mounted on a shed roof or windmill. You can mix cellular and LoRa flavours on the same property under one platform.

Matériel et connectivité

Does eShepherd work without mobile coverage?

Yes. eShepherd ships in two flavours of the same neckband: a cellular flavour that uses existing mobile networks, and a LoRa flavour that uses on-property base stations and works completely offline. You can run both on one property under one platform, cellular on the main mob, LoRa on a back paddock with no signal.

Matériel et connectivité

What is the battery life?

Solar-powered lithium iron phosphate battery, 7-10 year design life. IPX7 waterproof. A few hours of sunlight maintains charge for several days. See the neckband specs.

Matériel et connectivité

What does the warranty cover?

Engineered for 7-10 years using proven solar tech and robust materials. 3-year warranty covers manufacturing defects. Unlike subscription models, replacement risk isn't baked into ongoing fees. Outside warranty, maintenance is typically just strap or clip replacement.

Matériel et connectivité

Is it too bulky or big?

At 2.5 kg with weight under the chin, animals aren't bothered. Large solar panels give 10+ days of battery in low-light. Chain electrode ensures contact through winter coats. Needs adjustment only every 2-5 months. See the neckband specs.

Matériel et connectivité

What happens if network communication fails?

Virtual paddocks stay active for up to 24 hours. After that, if communication isn't restored, fences deactivate and animals can roam.

Bien-être animal et apprentissage

What happens in emergencies like fire or predators?

Panic detection mode allows animals to break boundaries during flight responses. Fences can be remotely deactivated from the app.

Bien-être animal et apprentissage

Is eShepherd safe for cattle?

Yes. Built on behavioural science, cattle respond to audio cues with minimal pulses. Neckbands are adjustable with a built-in breakaway safety feature.

Bien-être animal et apprentissage

How do animals get trained?

Keep at least 20 animals together. Most cattle learn in 3–10 days. Start with a training paddock overlaying the virtual fence on a physical one, with one virtual boundary. Cattle quickly associate the audio cue with the boundary and respond. See how the loop works.

Bien-être animal et apprentissage

How does animal down alerts work?

If an animal is inactive for more than 10% of a 24-hour period, the system sends a notification.

Pâturage et gestion de la ferme

How accurate is the GPS tracking?

±1 metre (3 feet) when cattle are within 20 metres of a virtual fence.

Pâturage et gestion de la ferme

What if an animal escapes?

Continued audio warnings and pulses as they move away from the virtual boundary. Breaches are uncommon and animals typically return quickly on their own. Track individuals in the app with breach notifications. See the virtual-fencing explainer.

Pâturage et gestion de la ferme

What is the ROI?

Virtual fencing delivers increased revenue via better pasture utilisation, reduced costs from less fence maintenance and labour, and operational flexibility without physical infrastructure. Use the ROI calculator to see the numbers for your operation.

Pâturage et gestion de la ferme

How does eShepherd support grazing decisions?

Heat maps in the app show real-time grazing pressure for rotation planning, overgrazing prevention, and pasture recovery.

Support et sécurité des données

What support is available?

Hands-on support from setup through troubleshooting, including training resources and onboarding.

Support et sécurité des données

How secure is the data and who owns it?

You own your data. Gallagher doesn't access it without permission. Stored in the cloud with industry-standard encryption.

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