Kom igång med 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.
Kom igång med 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.
Kom igång med 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.
Kom igång med 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.
Kom igång med 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.
Kom igång med 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.
Kom igång med eShepherd
Is there any funding available?
Various cost-share programs exist by region. Gallagher links to a Farm Subsidy Tracker tool.
Kom igång med 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.
Hårdvara och uppkoppling
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.
Hårdvara och uppkoppling
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.
Hårdvara och uppkoppling
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.
Hårdvara och uppkoppling
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.
Hårdvara och uppkoppling
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.
Hårdvara och uppkoppling
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.
Djurvälfärd och inlärning
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.
Djurvälfärd och inlärning
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.
Djurvälfärd och inlärning
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.
Djurvälfärd och inlärning
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.
Bete och gårdsförvaltning
How accurate is the GPS tracking?
±1 metre (3 feet) when cattle are within 20 metres of a virtual fence.
Bete och gårdsförvaltning
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.
Bete och gårdsförvaltning
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.
Bete och gårdsförvaltning
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 och datasäkerhet
What support is available?
Hands-on support from setup through troubleshooting, including training resources and onboarding.
Support och datasäkerhet
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.
Inga frågor i det här ämnet.
Välj ett annat ämne eller kontakta oss om din fråga saknas här.