A new technology has been made available to Australian farmers to help reduce the risk of stock theft. Local farmers James and Rebecca Hamilton of Bradford Hills have embraced this opportunity following a number of incidents on their farm over recent years. This month, James and Bec are participating in a trial that allows them to see the location of tagged sheep–anywhere in the world!
James and Bec learned about the tags at a gathering organised by another victim of stock theft, Kevin Butler. Kevin was targeted by sheep rustlers and had 400 weaner ewes stolen, representing a value of approximately $50,000. Devastated, he set about finding a solution to prevent future theft. His research led to a meeting of industry leaders utilising GPS hardware and software for farmers. The event caught the attention of the ABC Landline producers, who also attended. The program screened earlier this week and is available for catch-up on ABC iview.
The technology uses satellites to send information directly to mobile phones. For farmers embracing the new tags, there are currently a number of alerts that they can use. The first requires the property to be geo-fenced and the coordinates of the property perimeter are uploaded to the property-specific tags. If the animal goes outside the geo boundary, an alert will be sent to the farmer’s phone. When the alert is triggered, a location link is sent, and the farmer can instantly see the location of the stock. It can also assist with the biosecurity of livestock that may escape from limbs over fences and gates left open.
The technology has the potential for many applications. Working with the CSIRO, the tag manufacturer and software companies are creating algorithms that will trigger an alert when animals behave in an unusual manner. Whilst James and Bec have entered the trial to reduce the risk of stock theft, they are keen to learn of other benefits and information the tags can offer. Having had stock mauled by stray dogs in recent years, the unusual movement of tagged sheep can send alerts for stock under attack from predators. There is also work being conducted on grazing behaviour that may be used to understand and improve soil carbon capture. While those benefits are a little way off, James and Bec will be very happy to reap the rewards of knowing their sheep are safely in their paddocks.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 19 May 2023.
