Episode
We Tried Virtual Fence on Goats & Sheep (Real Farm Results) (Ep. 360)
- Published
- Jun 26, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2484
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Summary
What if you could finally have goats and sheep β without building miles of netting or chasing escapes? That's exactly what virtual collars made possible for Meg Greske, and she breaks down EVERYTHING in this episode. π Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ π Get the book: hhttps://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book Mary Jo sits down with client and regional conservation consultant Meg Greske (Oklahoma Conservation District) to dig into real-world results of using NoFence virtual collars on sheep and goats β from cost and training to wool vs. hair breed differences, company comparisons, and whether the data privacy concerns are worth worrying about. In this episode: π² Real cost breakdown: NoFence collars ($240β$270/collar + ~$3β4/month after year 1) π Why goats train fast β and why wool sheep take weeks longer π NoFence vs. Halter vs. Gallagher vs. Moneal vs. Vence β what's actually different π‘ Base station drama: why Halter just went base-station-free and what it means π The "tinfoil hat" question: data privacy, tracking, and who owns your herd data π OSU research on animal stress β is virtual fence cruel? (No. Here's the proof.) π How virtual collars are making intensive rotational grazing feasible for small producers π° Grants & cost share: SHIP program, EQIP applications, and what's coming β³ Should you buy NOW or wait for better tech? Chapters 0:00 - "Buy Now or Wait?" (Cold Open) 0:50 - Intro: Meet Meg Greske 2:19 - NoFence Collar Costs & Pricing Breakdown 3:19 - Comparing the Companies: NoFence, Halter, Gallagher, Vence & Moneal 5:08 - Halter Just Went Base-Station-Free 6:40 - Base Stations: History & Why They're Becoming Obsolete 8:41 - Collar Lifespan & Battery Life 11:32 - Training Sheep & Goats: Wool vs. Hair Breed Differβ¦