As at September 2023
Globally, research and development into virtual fencing technology for pastoral farming systems has been underway for decades. However, it is only in recent years that the research and development has progressed enough to develop commercial products. The Halter system combines the most advanced technology that did not exist five years ago, with our years of experience observing and analysing cow behaviour.
Almost every major agricultural market around the world is actively exploring virtual fencing technology. Halter is prioritising serving its growing customer base in New Zealand and Australia, and will expand further into additional international markets as we scale.
In New Zealand, Halter complies with all relevant laws and codes of practice. This includes, but is not limited to, The Animal Welfare Act 1999, all regulations created under this Act, and the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare.
New Zealand’s Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare is currently being reviewed and updated by the Government’s ‘National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee’ (‘NAWAC’). Halter is deeply involved in this process, providing technical submissions to NAWAC and the Ministry for Primary Industries to aid their understanding of virtual fencing technology and to ensure Halter continues to comply with all relevant standards.
In Australia, Halter complies with all relevant laws and codes of practice in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Across Australia, virtual fencing technology is permissible in all states. Commercial use is allowed in Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia; approved research trials are allowed in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
Currently, Halter operates in Tasmania with over 15,000 cows and complies with the Tasmanian Animal Welfare Act 1993.
Australian states are modernising their laws relating to virtual fencing. In June 2022, Western Australia amended its animal welfare regulations to allow the commercial use of virtual fencing technology, provided that the device is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In Victoria, research trials of virtual fencing are permitted and the state is reviewing its animal welfare legislation and will consider the commercial use of virtual fencing technology as part of this process.
Halter is committed to advancing regulations supporting high quality virtual fencing products in Australia to protect animal welfare standards and enhance farm productivity. Halter is engaging with Australian state governments, regulators and industry representatives to share insights around how the Halter system works, research findings about how Halter protects animal welfare, and to share evidence of the many industry benefits of Halter’s system e.g. increased production and efficiency, reduced labour, and environmental benefits.
