Practical Virtual Fencing Applications in Appalachia
Benefits of Virtual Fencing
Virtual fencing for livestock eliminates the need for physical interior barriers by using GPS-enabled collars and digital maps to create dynamic boundaries. This technology dramatically reduces manual labor costs, maximizes forage health through precise rotational grazing, and protects sensitive ecosystems or wildlife corridors.
Taught By
Matthew E. Wilson, PAS, Ph.D.
Professor of Animal Sciences
West Virginia University
Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Controlling Invasive Species with Drones
How it can help
Drones equipped with multispectral cameras can fly over large fields to identify and map invasive weeds before they spread. Once located, specialized spray drones can deliver targeted herbicide applications directly to those specific invasive patches, drastically reducing overall chemical use.