MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Note: Radio grabs to follow this afternoon. Details below.
Eligible Australian farmers can now access rebates on Gallagher eShepherd virtual fencing technology through a government funding package announced yesterday.
Gallagher is encouraging Australian livestock producers to explore Round 3 of the Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program, which includes eShepherd virtual fencing equipment.
The program is designed to help Australian primary producers adopt connected digital technologies that improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in their farm businesses.
This announcement gives producers another way to improve grazing management, boost productivity and manage livestock more flexibly. Funding is limited and expected to be highly competitive.
As an Approved Supplier under Round 3, Gallagher can support eligible primary producers applying for rebates of up to 50 per cent of eligible eShepherd purchase costs, capped at $20,000.
Gallagher’s Australian eShepherd Business Development Manager, Mark Dempsey, said the funding comes at a time when more producers are looking for practical technology solutions that deliver measurable on-farm outcomes.
“It’s great to see the Australian Government acknowledge the power of virtual fencing in driving farm productivity, and Gallagher is pleased to be included,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Across Australia we're seeing producers adopt virtual fencing because it helps them manage grazing more precisely, make better use of available pasture and gain more control over their livestock operations.
“What consistently stands out is that producers typically begin investigating virtual fencing for one reason, often productivity, but quickly discover a range of additional benefits once they're using it, from improved grazing outcomes through to labour savings and greater flexibility in day-to-day farm management.”
Mr Dempsey said access to funding could help accelerate these productivity benefits across industry.
“This funding helps make that first step more accessible and gives producers an opportunity to investigate whether eShepherd could work for their operation.”
Gallagher will work directly with eligible customers through the application process and submit the supplier component of the application. Customers will also be required to complete their own declaration and provide supporting information.
Dempsey encouraged interested producers to start discussions as soon as possible.
“Funding is limited, so we'd encourage producers to talk with our team early to understand both the eligibility requirements and whether eShepherd is the right fit for their business.”
-ends-
A selection of high-quality images is available here. Radio grabs will be added to this folder later today.
About us:
eShepherd is the GPS-enabled virtual fencing system from Gallagher, the family-owned animal-management company that has engineered farm fencing for 88 years. A solar-powered neckband holds and moves cattle using audio-first cues, so producers can subdivide paddocks, rotate grazing, and protect sensitive land from a phone, with no posts, no wire, and no daily musters. Part of the eShepherd Farm Operating System™, it pairs the neckband with a web and mobile app for planning moves, monitoring animals, and reading the land, bringing Precision Livestock Management™ to extensive grazing.
Contact details:
Peter Somerville
Currie
Ph: +61 403 868 984
E: [email protected]
