SCALES MOUND, ILL. (RFD-TV) — Virtual fencing is helping some smaller livestock operations make better use of pasture and wooded ground without the cost and labor of installing traditional fencing.
For Illinois farmer Nathan Koester, the technology has opened up additional grazing opportunities while giving him more ways to manage his cattle. Koester, who partners with Monil Virtual Fencing, joined Market Day Report to explain how he is using the technology and why he believes it can benefit operations of different sizes.
Making Virtual Fencing Practical
In his interview with RFD-TV, Koester said the terrain in his part of Illinois creates some challenges for traditional fencing. His operation includes wooded areas, pasture, and older fencing, so it’s important to find ways to use the existing land without major capital investments.
“When looking at it, it’s about, you know, what can help open up the most acres,” Koester said.
He said the Monil technology stood out because the collars were easy to put on cattle and intuitive to use. He also praised the company’s customer service as he integrated the system into his operation during 2026.
Finding Bonus Acres in Wooded Ground
Koester said one of the biggest benefits has been the ability to use ground that previously offered limited grazing opportunities.
On one rented farm with a hunting lease, Koester said the wooded area had traditionally been left ungrazed because it was enclosed as one large section.
This year, virtual fencing allowed him to manage cattle through those acres without interfering with the property’s hunting activities.
He said the additional grazing days also gave him an opportunity to rest pastures elsewhere.
On another farm, the technology has made it easier to manage wooded grazing areas where running polywire would be difficult, particularly with multiflora rose and other obstacles.
“You can’t run polywire through everything when you’re in the woods, and then multiflora rose bush. That does not make for a fun day,” Koester said. “Being able to just do it from your phone makes it a lot easier.”
More Than Just Fencing
Koester said the technology has also provided additional tools for managing cattle remotely, including heat detection.
He said the system has produced encouraging results in terms of accuracy, giving him better information about breeding activity.
“When they are in the woods, it’s hard to know what the bull’s up to that day,” Koester said.
Having that information helps him make better management decisions as the breeding season wraps up.
Start Small and Expand
For producers considering virtual fencing, Koester recommends starting with a smaller group of animals before expanding across the operation.
He began by testing the technology with 10 beef cows and 20 dairy heifers. Based on that experience, he plans to expand its use next year.
“Everybody’s got a pasture that has this smaller group that’s required for it,” he said. “Try it with that first, test that out, and then you can expand from there.”
Koester said the benefits will vary depending on the operation and the type of terrain producers are managing, but starting small can give farmers an opportunity to see how the technology works for their own cattle and land.
LEARN MORE: www.monil.com
