FarmTech: Halter’s ‘Cow-gorithm’ and Solar-Powered Collars are Changing the Virtual Fencing Landscape

Elena Chavez with Halter provided insight into the company’s virtual fencing technology, its adoption in the U.S., and the impact of recent funding on ranching operations.

CHICAGO, ILL. (RFD NEWS) — Virtual fencing technology is transforming farm management with solar-powered cattle collars, giving ranchers unprecedented control over their herds via smartphone.

Elena Chavez with Halter joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the company’s latest developments, including raising more than $200 million in Series E funding at a $2 billion valuation.

Chavez explained how the technology works, allowing ranchers to manage full herds remotely through the company’s trademarked “Cow-gorithm.”

She noted that while Halter is based in New Zealand, it’s also available across the U.S. Field visits to hundreds of ranches in Colorado have confirmed strong demand, and feedback from early adopters has been positive, with ranchers praising the system’s ability to simplify herd management.

Chavez added that the recent Series E funding will accelerate growth, expand availability, and further benefit ranchers by enhancing operational efficiency.

The company’s virtual fencing technology represents a potential shift in cattle management, offering a modern, data-driven approach to traditional ranching practices.

Related Stories
Quick to prep and packed with flavor, this dish is a bold way to kick up any weekend spread.
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
We caught up with John Deere’s Hay & Forage Got-To Market Manager Kaylene Ballesteros to learn how tech is evolving how producers make hay, from baling efficiency to operator confidence.
Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.

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:

Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.
Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions provides remote water-monitoring technology to help ranchers manage livestock water more efficiently.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.