A new development in virtual fencing technology could significantly expand where, and how, ranchers manage cattle.
Halter announced the launch of direct-to-satellite connectivity for its smart cattle collars, eliminating the need for cell towers or on-ranch infrastructure and allowing producers to manage livestock anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
The Boulder, Colorado-based company is leveraging Starlink satellite technology to power the system, marking what it calls a world-first for pasture-based ranching.
For beef producers operating in remote or rugged environments, where connectivity has long been a limiting factor, the shift could open the door to broader adoption of virtual fencing.
"Connectivity has been the final barrier to bringing virtual fencing across remote and expansive ranches," said Craig Piggott, CEO and founder of Halter. "Direct-to-satellite allows ranchers to manage hundreds of thousands of acres in the most remote terrain on the planet. Combined with our new suite of product features, these ranchers can be even more productive."
Removing infrastructure barriers
Until now, Halter's solar-powered, GPS-enabled collars relied on proprietary long-range radio towers to communicate across ranches. With the new system, those towers are no longer required. Instead, collars connect directly via satellite, reducing upfront infrastructure needs and potentially lowering barriers for adoption in large, remote operations.
Halter estimates the addition of satellite capability could expand its addressable U.S. beef cattle market by 2.5 times.
The timing aligns with broader industry pressures, including rising fuel costs, labor shortages, and an aging workforce — all factors pushing producers to look for more efficient ways to manage cattle and land.
High Lonesome Ranch in western Colorado has been among the first to implement the satellite-enabled system across its 225,000 acres.
"Halter has changed the game completely," said Lloyd Calvert, livestock and agriculture manager at High Lonesome Ranch. "Satellite unlocks the ability to run very remote country while still seeing what the cattle are doing, without needing someone with them all the time. We call ourselves Halter junkies now because we can check to see where the cows are any time of day, no matter where I am. It gives me a great deal of assurance and that's irreplaceable."
Alongside the connectivity upgrade, Halter is rolling out what it describes as its largest product update for beef operations to date.
New features include:
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Heat detection tools to identify cycling animals before and during breeding
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Behavioral monitoring with near real-time insights into grazing and rumination
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Advanced pasture management tools, including satellite-based forage insights
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Grazing plans, templates, and animal demand tracking
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Comprehensive grazing records
Halter's direct-to-satellite system is now available for beef operations in the United States and New Zealand, with Australia and Canada expected to follow.
»Related: Could the future of cattle fencing be done through your phone?
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