Making Virtual Fence Cost Effective for Ranchers

Making Virtual Fence Cost Effective for Ranchers

Large investments in technology like Vence’s virtual fence becomes easier when neighbors come together and outside partners support the process. Jay and Chyenne Smith were watching the progress of virtual fence from its infancy and finally pulled the trigger in 2022 after the Moose fire threatened the availability of their grazing acres.

“Forty plus thousand of our best acres didn't burn and the Forest Service was going to tell us to stay home for two to three years,” says Jay. “I thought if there was ever a sign that this is the time to go ahead and take that chance and jump in headfirst, that was it.”

The Smiths reached out to partners like the University of Idaho, BLM and Forest Service to negotiate plans and funding for the implementation of this technology. Eventually, they pulled the neighbors in too.

The Smith family operate J Lazy S Angus Ranch which lies along the Montana – Idaho border. They ranch amongst flat bottoms with irrigation, steep Mountain peaks and the Salmon River. They emphasize the importance of quality genetics as they raise both registered and commercial cattle.

Jay says, “We are a pretty intricate mix here of old-fashioned tradition and cutting-edge technology.”

Prior to the fire, they knew the University of Idaho Research Ranch was working with Vence because they are fence-line neighbors. Jay’s initiative to inquire about working together opened the door for area producers to keep using their permits while being a part of a research project....



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