ST. PAUL, Minn. — Nofence has launched a cattle collar that expands its virtual fencing system to track animal activity, reproduction and grazing from one app.
The new N3 collar uses cellular service, satellite and a network that relays information between collars. Nofence says the combination is designed to keep producers connected to cattle in pastures with poor cell coverage, without installing additional communications equipment.
Producers can draw grazing boundaries in the app, set up paddocks and schedule moves ahead of time. The system also records where cattle have grazed, giving producers a way to review pasture use and keep records of their management decisions.
For individual animals, the platform tracks activity and rumination and provides heat cycle scores and calving alerts. Those readings could help producers decide which cattle need a closer look, though they do not replace checking animals in person.
Nofence says the N3 collar is five times more durable than its previous model. It hangs below the animal’s neck, has a solar chargeable battery and comes with a 10 year warranty.
The company reports a 99.7% containment rate for its virtual fencing technology. That figure and the durability claim are company reported. Nofence did not provide independent test results in its announcement.