CattleCon 2026: Merck — Virtual Fencing Technology for Livestock

Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Ranchers are always looking for better ways to work with the land and the cattle in front of them. This week at CattleCon 2026, one innovation showcased at the beef industry gathering is gaining attention, with producers talking about the possibilities of livestock management without traditional fences.

RFD NEWS spoke with Gary Tiller, Director of Commercial Operations for Merck, who fills us in on the company’s new technology.

Related Stories: CattleCon 2026
Premieres on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Wed, 2/25/26 – 7:30 PM ET
Phibro’s Medicated feed additives are helping cattle strive right from the very start.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Soy Transportation Coalition’s Mike Steenhoek discusses the proposed six-axle truck pilot program and its potential impacts on agriculture and freight transportation.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Evan Callicoat discusses data center expansion in the state, producers’ land and resource concerns, and debates over tax exemptions and rural development.
Markets have been slow to respond as crop stress worsens across major winter wheat regions, where quality ratings have fallen to multi-decade lows.
Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.
Mike Stranz joins us to discuss farm safety net reforms, NFU’s proposed IMSET program, and the challenges facing family farmers nationwide.
The investigation does not prove wrongdoing, but it raises federal scrutiny of a major cost center for crop producers.