Virtual fencing is one of the research projects you’ll hear about at The Dairy Summit on Nov. 15 at UW-Platteville. This event is an opportunity to learn about the latest research projects happening through the UW Dairy Innovation Hub.
UW-Platteville faculty and local farmers will join together for a panel presentation. These farmers will share their experience hosting research trials on their farms. Hal Evensen, a professor of engineering physics, has partnered with Chris Wilson, from Wilson Organic Farm in Cuba City. Together, they are working on a virtual fencing project to help ease the burden of moving fence for graziers.
Wilson, the sixth generation on the farm, and his family rotationally and intensively graze their 500 cows across 900 acres. He says moving those electric fences around twice a day every day is labor intensive. Virtual grazing eliminates the need for fences using on-cow technologies — similar to a shock collar on a dog, but without the shock. Obviously this comes with its own barriers, such as internet connection or battery power, depending on the system. This is what researchers have been exploring for three years in Wilson’s pastures.
Formatted for a general audience, the Dairy Summit features the Hub’s newest projects. Anyone unable to attend in person can participate through a live virtual option. Hub events are free and also open to the public. Pre-registration is required: https://dairyinnovationhub.wisc.edu/dairy-summit/
In addition to research presentations, there will be two panel sessions to stimulate ideas and discussion. One of these is a panel of state leaders who will reflect on four years of the Dairy Innovation Hub and the state’s investment in research to grow Wisconsin dairy. Sen. Howard Marklein, Rep. Travis Tranel, and Rep. Dave Considine were early champions of the 2019 legislation that created the Hub and will share what future success looks like from their perspective.
Finishing out the day will be three tour options showcasing Hub investments at UW–Platteville including Sesquicentennial Hall, multiple lab spaces in Russell Hall, and Pioneer Farm.