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Sustainable grazing practices on arid rangelands

 

In the vast, dry landscapes of New Mexico, researchers at New Mexico State University (NMSU) are pioneering sustainable approaches to livestock management on fragile rangelands. Dr. Santiago Utsumi and Ph.D. student Andrés Perea are at the forefront of integrating virtual fencing technology to address the unique challenges of ranching in desert and semi-arid regions.

Their work explores how Nofence helps ranchers balance productivity with ecosystem conservation, offering a transformative way to manage grazing in these delicate environments.

Adapting to the challenges of dryland ranching

Ranching in dry regions like New Mexico presents unique challenges. Physical fencing is not only costly but often impractical for vast terrain, leaving some areas overgrazed and others untouched. The harsh conditions make it difficult to maintain healthy pastures while ensuring livestock distribution across the land.

«We have struggled with uneven grazing and soil erosion," shares Perea. "With Nofence, we can strategically guide cattle to underutilized areas, letting overused regions recover naturally."

Using GPS-enabled collars, the Nofence system allows ranchers to create virtual boundaries that can be adjusted in real time. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt grazing patterns to seasonal changes and water availability, all managed conveniently through the Nofence app.

“Physical fencing locks ranchers into rigid boundaries, while virtual fencing allows us to adapt to the needs of both the land and the herd,” Dr. Utsumi adds.

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A cow wearing a Nofence collar grazes on diverse forage, supporting sustainable grazing practices in the arid New Mexico environment.


"Implementing virtual fencing allows us to manage grazing patterns precisely, promoting vegetation recovery and reducing soil erosion in these sensitive dryland ecosystems."  

— Dr. Santiago Utsumi, Associate Professor of Rangeland and Animal Science at NMSU

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Cow and calf graze together safely, with the calf naturally following its mother wearing a Nofence collar.

A holistic solution – environmental and economic benefits

The environmental benefits of Nofence are clear. By guiding cattle to graze invasive plants and distribute grazing more evenly, ranchers can help native vegetation recover and reduce soil erosion. This proactive approach strengthens biodiversity and creates healthier, more resilient rangelands.

"Our research demonstrates that with proper grazing management, cattle can play a key role in restoring drylands," says Dr. Utsumi.

Economic advantages are just as compelling. Nofence eliminates the high costs associated with traditional infrastructure while saving time and labor. Ranchers can adjust grazing plans instantly, optimizing forage use and reducing feed costs, leading to healthier herds and greater profitability.

"The ability to move boundaries with just a few taps on an app is a game-changer," explains Perea. "It saves us time and effort while delivering better results for the land and the animals."

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Cattle graze in areas that include water sources, ensuring access to hydration while maintaining sustainable land use.


"Our goal is to find practical solutions that help ranchers manage their land sustainably while maintaining productivity. Nofence technology plays a key role in achieving this by enabling flexible grazing management."

— Andrés Perea, Ph.D. student in precision ranching at NMSU

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Dr. Santiago Utsumi and Andrés Perea meet with the Nofence team to discuss the implementation of virtual fencing on New Mexico's rangelands.

Pioneering a sustainable future

The work of Dr. Utsumi and Perea at NMSU highlights how Nofence can bridge the gap between traditional ranching and sustainable innovation. By combining technology with practical solutions, they demonstrate a pathway for ranchers to thrive in dryland regions without compromising the health of the land.

"Nofence is more than a tool—it’s a sustainable approach to managing livestock and land together," says Perea.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to integrate virtual fencing with other precision ranching technologies, such as drones and soil monitoring systems, to create solutions for ranchers in the Southwest. They aim to create a comprehensive approach that adapts to the needs of diverse operations.

"Our mission is to make ranching sustainable for every landscape," concludes Dr. Utsumi. "With the right tools and strategies, even the driest lands can be productive and healthy for generations to come."

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The wide, open rangelands of New Mexico provide a unique setting for sustainable grazing practices with Nofence technology.

* Nofence requires cellular connectivity for optimal operation. While NMSU has tested workarounds in low-connectivity areas, these adaptations are not standard practice and may not be suitable for all ranchers.

Curious about how Nofence fits your grazing environment? Contact us to learn more about connectivity requirements and solutions.

Learn more about how Nofence can help your farming practices:
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