Transforming Hill Country Farming
Three Stage Service
We help farmers step through three stages so they make a well informed investment in virtual fencing. SmartGraze tailors each step so the necessary information is considered before a farmer chooses to progress to the next stage.
Most begin at Scoping - Stage 1 wanting to know the capital investment and likely ROI before committing to a virtual fencing programme and embarking on Stage Two - Design.
For farmers already invested in virtual fencing they skip Scoping and move straight to SmartGraze Design - Stage 2. This often occurs when farmers realise they aren’t getting the desired return on their virtual fencing investment. Typically they lack a well designed grazing system which is the SmartGraze specialty.
Deployment - Stage 3 is for farmers looking for additional support beyond the initial SmartGraze design.
Each of these stages and likely investment required is explained in more detail below.
We have provided an indication of the investment required for a model 400 ha hill country farm to provide a guide only. Fees will vary with the level of design complexity. But if you are like us, you like to get a ballpark idea of what the likely investment will be before picking up the phone.
Scoping -Stage 1
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We support you to make a confident, well‑informed decision about whether virtual fencing is the right fit for your farm business. Through on‑farm assessment, system modelling, and ROI analysis, we help you clearly understand the potential value and risks before committing capital. Our advice is independent and practical, focused on what will genuinely improve the long‑term performance of your farm.
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1. We visit you on your farm and assess the financial return you can expect from virtual fencing, tailored specifically to your land, stock class, and objectives.
2. We use farm system modelling, our own ROI tools, and benchmark data to help you understand the potential economic benefits before making an investment.
3. We provide a high-level assessment of your existing water infrastructure, including analysis of peak stock water demand and whether upgrades or additional investment may be necessary.
4. We offer unbiased advice on the most suitable virtual fencing products and services for your operation.
5. Importantly, we will upfront with you —if we do not believe virtual fencing is a good investment in your situation, we’ll tell you openly.
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This upfront assessment typically costs $3,000–$4,000 plus travel, depending on farm complexity and location. This covers the on‑farm visit, modelling, ROI analysis using our proprietary tools and benchmark data, a high‑level water system review, and independent advice on virtual fencing options.
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The purpose of this work is to give you confidence before you commit significant capital to hardware and infrastructure. Just as importantly, it helps avoid costly mistakes—if the numbers don’t stack up for your farm, we’ll tell you honestly, potentially saving you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.
Design - Stage 2
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This stage brings your whole grazing system together by planning where breaks and troughs go, checking whether your current water setup can cope, crucially linking the trough placement design into your virtual fencing platform, and — if needed — providing a professional water system design with GPS points, budgets, and installer‑ready plans. It’s all about making sure the grazing system will actually work on the ground, reliably and with no surprises.
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1. Strategic break layout with grazing order and trough placement based on terrain, waterways, and stock type.
2. Detailed water infrastructure assessment and recommendations if an upgrade is required.
3. Design integration with your chosen virtual fencing providers software (e.g. Halter or eShepherd).
4. Professional water system design from our engineering partners AgFirst Engineering (pump requirements, tank locations, pipe sizes and placement and pressure ratings) delivered with a project budget, GPS coordinates and installer ready plans.
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Our grazing system design and virtual fencing integration is typically $8,000 to $10,000 + travel for a model 400 ha farm. It varies depending on farm size, terrain complexity, and system requirements. Where a water system upgrade or redesign is required, a detailed water system design is additional and strongly recommended to avoid the ongoing stress, risk, and inefficiencies caused by under‑designed or poor performing water systems, particularly through summer. Detailed water designs are delivered by our engineering partners and are fully integrated with the grazing and trough layout, providing pump specifications, tank locations, pipe sizing and placement, pressure ratings, GPS coordinates, installer‑ready plans, and a clear project budget so the system can be built once and confidently support the grazing system long term.
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The purpose of this stage is to make sure your grazing system will work smoothly on the ground by sorting out where breaks go, how stock will move, and where troughs need to be based on the lay of the land. It checks whether your current water system can cope and flags any upgrades before problems show up in summer. We also line everything up with your virtual fencing provider and, if needed, provide a full water system design so you’ve got clear plans, GPS points, and a budget your installer can follow with confidence.
Deployment - Stage 3
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Stage 3 focuses on helping farmers move smoothly from planning into full implementation of their Smart Grazing system. It provides start up support with stock policy adjustments, coordination with virtual fencing providers, water system setup, and practical coaching. Farmers also receive access to the SmartGraze tools, ensuring they can confidently operate the customised Smart Grazing design on their farm.
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1. Initial Stock policy changes – we like to work in partnership with your local farm consultant where possible. We have a network of consultants that we can recommend if you are looking for that ongoing farm systems support.
2. Engagement with your virtual fencing collar provider.
3. Water system installation support
4. Coaching and provide access to our virtual grazing tools to help you confidently use the tailored Smart Grazing systems we have designed for you.
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Our pricing is flexible and tailored to the level of support your farm requires. We work with you to create a package that aligns with your goals, fits your timeline, and provides the right balance of hands‑on assistance and independent use of our tools and resources. Detailed pricing can be provided once we understand your farm layout, preferred virtual fencing provider, and the level of involvement you’d like from our team.
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The purpose of this stage is to ensure farmers transition smoothly from planning into real‑world implementation of their Smart Grazing system. Our experienced team provide the practical support to help set up the core components needed for successful virtual fencing and grazing management. This includes aligning stock policies, coordinating with virtual fencing providers, supporting water system installation, and giving farmers the coaching and resources they need to confidently operate the tailored Smart Grazing system designed for their farm.
