Virtual Fence Field Day in Verdigre Nov. 5, 2026

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Nebraska Extension and No Name Creeks will host a virtual fencing and grazing management field day Nov. 5 near Verdigre, offering livestock producers an opportunity to see virtual fencing technology in action and learn how it can be used to manage grazing on a working ranch.

The free event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at No Name Creeks, 52570 883 Road, where Scott and Becky Ravenkamp & Brian and Zoe Vakoc will share their experiences using a virtual fencing system to manage livestock and grazing rotations.

Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars and digitally established boundaries to help producers manage livestock movement without relying exclusively on physical fencing.

No Name Creeks is a northeast Nebraska partnership raising fullblood Akaushi cattle and focusing on soil health, rotational grazing and grassland management.

No Name Creeks has incorporated virtual fencing into its intensive grazing practices, allowing for more frequent livestock moves and the addition of small ruminants. Pasture management efforts also include eastern redcedar removal, prescribed fire and other practices intended to improve grassland health and wildlife habitat.

The field day will begin with an overview of the virtual fencing system and how to use the technology. Participants will learn how the operation establishes virtual paddocks, manages grazing rotations and uses the system to move cattle, hair sheep and goats. After the technology overview a pasture walk will allow attendees to see the grazing impact of the hair sheep on targeted grassland species such as leafy spurge and woody plants. Grass regrowth from intensive cattle rotations will be viewed.

Cassidy Wessel with Nebraska Game and Parks will discuss the pasture improvement plan and its implementation, including eastern redcedar management and other efforts to improve grazing conditions.

The field day will provide an opportunity for producers to ask questions, learn from the experiences near Verdigre and consider how virtual fencing might fit into their own livestock operations.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension, 402-254-6821 or at ben.beckman@unl.edu.