This episode featured as part of the Livestock and Genetics segment in partnership with Carrfields Livestock.

Virtual fencing collars went on cattle on nine commercial sheep and beef farms in August and September as a Pāmu-led programme builds evidence for hill country.

Pāmu LIFT programme lead Charlie McCaig says virtual fencing is well understood in dairy but newer to sheep and beef.

“I was a dairy farmer in the past, and it pains me to say this, but sheep and beef farming is way more complicated,” he says.

McCaig says the farms include Māori trusts, owner-operators, corporates and high country stations, each working with a consultant.

“On the face of it, whilst LIFT might look like it’s a technology program, it’s actually a system change program.”

He says FARMAX tracks productivity and financial results, alongside water testing and greenhouse gas modelling.

This episode featured as part of the Livestock and Genetics segment in partnership with Carrfields Livestock. To learn more about buying, selling or managing livestock, or to connect with a local livestock specialist, visit carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.