Virtual fencing technology helps WA cattle farmers maximise productivity
Virtual fencing technology is becoming increasingly popular in Western Australia, allowing farmers to manage livestock without physical fences.
After a farming accident more than 20 years ago, Mr Rochester was left quadriplegic, but it has not stopped him from running a cattle farming operation at Manypeaks, about 440 kilometres south of Perth.
Back in the day he said running a farm from his wheelchair was frustrating at times, but after making some adjustments he has gotten used to it.
"I set up a ute that I just about live in, set it up with hand controls, and I built a bit of a lift thing that's in my toolbox to get me in and out of the car," he said.
"I can check the cows and shift them, see what their grass and their residuals are like from their grazing, and manage it without any extra help.
To create the virtual fences cattle wear a solar-powered, GPS-enabled collar that allows livestock to be tracked and moved around the farm from software on a smartphone or tablet.
