Hi everybody, I’m sure there have been posts like this before but I want to start a new one since there have been so many developments in ag-tech in the past 5 years.

I am an electrical engineer working for one of the big aerospace and defense contractors. I don’t want to say who exactly but Tony Stark’s logo for his defense company in the marvel movies looks eerily close to the logo of the company I work for.

I primarily work on designing electronics for space applications (weather satellites, GPS, scientific missions, and such). However, before I got into engineering I dabbled in some farming. Nothing crazy, just 40 acres of row crop. I fell in love with it but the economics were just not there. One day I’ll return to agriculture but maybe more as a hobby and just have a small hobby “farm” where I donate my crop, or form some sort of non-profit, maybe teach kids the importance of land management…anyway I’m getting off track.

I recently posted on r/farming asking about what sort of tech people wished that they had which would save them time and money.

What I learned is that there appears to be a massive hole in the market for gps trackers/virtual fences. So I’m curious on your thoughts and what would be the tipping point for you to adopt a similar system in your operation?

For vertical fencing there are bulky collars:

In the US the only company that does virtual fencing is Vence. But they are prohibitively expensive. ($40k setup, $1000/head equipment rental, $100/head/yr subscription).

Another company that does virtual fencing is NoFence but they are out of Norway and I do not think they are in the US yet.

Then there is Gallagher’s eShepard virtual fence. But it seems they are only demoing it and I wouldn’t be surprised if that is a rip-off as well.

Then there is GPS tracking using ear tags:

There is mOOvement out of Australia that uses LoRaWAN mesh network to do tracking in areas with no cellphone reception. But also quite pricey.

Also there is 701x here in the US, but they rely on there being cellphone service which I am sure is a no go for a lot of you in ND, MT, and parts of CO.

And the only other company that I could find doing this is LoneStar. They do not require LoRaWAN antennas, or cell service. But, since they are using their own commercial gps satellite constellation you can only get updates once every 3 hours max and that might drain the battery within 4 days.

So here is what I think: As an electrical engineer that understands how to build these devices I think most of these products are a rip-off (701x stands out as mostly a good deal on first impression… if you have cell service).

Would there be interest in a device that comes in an ear tag form factor that offers the functionality of all of the above mentioned device at a fraction of the cost? So that would include: GPS tracking, virtual fencing, and from my understanding RFID seems like a useful feature as well?

Here is my idea:

1. I think it is feasible to combine the gps tracking and virtual fencing into a single device into an ear tag form factor that weights about 6 ounces max. So, no bulky collar that can get caught in branches or brush.

2. I think it should be possible to bring the price down to about $100-$150 per unit. But honestly, I’m hoping it could be even lower. I would really like it to be affordable for small-medium to medium sized ranches.

3)The rancher can buy and OWN the device.

4. I believe in right-to-repair so I want to make the device so you can replace the batteries and solar panels when the old ones die out. I don’t think gouging people for a whole new device is fair or right. Especially when your margins are tight enough as it is.

5. unfortunately there would have to be some sort of subscription model because there is a lot of backend maintenance of the software and software engineers ask for too much money. However I think this can be brought down to the range of $10-$25 per head. Of course if more ranches use this service we could bring that price down even lower. At least that is my hope.

Does this sound like something, if it existed, you would be interested in?

Please let me know if there are any holes, if I’m missing something, if I’m crazy. Literally any feedback is good feedback.

So I had been trying to figure out how to keep small critters out of my troughs. Or, should I say I was trying ways to be able to help them climb out if they did hop in ie; leaving a large stick or piece of rope they could climb out with. But I kept getting mice, squirrels, ect getting in and drowning and having to scrub the troughs more than I'd like. Anyway, I asked my grandma if she had any suggestions, and she asked if I had a small bowl of water right next to the troughs. Yall, I've never felt so dumb. Anyway, it's been years since I started leaving the bowl and have had 0 critter drownings since. Just thought I'd share for anyone else having this issue since summer is just around the corner 🤎

Any additional information on AgriDime?

I know nowadays people mainly use 4 wheelers etc and horses aren’t as common. In what situation is it useful to own horses for ranching? Is it certain acreage? Or a certain type of grazing? How about if you’re doing intensive grazing?

I love the work I’ve done on small farms with livestock but haven’t ever seen the functioning of a large scale cattle ranch, so I’m curious.

Hey Guys,

Just wondering what I can expect to pay per pound for 2-300 # calf’s in north central FL

I am about to purchase a new ranch horse. He is currently in eastern wyoming and I'm bringing him up to western Montana.

This is my first time moving a horse and I want to make sure I cross my T's and dot my i's.

My main concern is the change of grass. Plan on putting him in a pasture with the rest of the ranch horses we have. I've done research on the topic where you slowly introduce them and all that fun stuff .

Just looking for some advice from folks with more experience.

Hi. What is the best way to finish Wagyu / Angus cross steers? Specifically when do you begin grain supplement, what ration formula do you use and how long does it take? Do you take them off grass entirely? Thank you.

Friday I found the head of the best buck on the ranch. It was skinned and hanging on a fence. Someone probably wanted to let birds and maggots clean it up for a trophy.

I checked the cameras. He was last seen on Feb 8 long after the last special season was over.

So someone clearly poached.

I knew something was off. Haven’t seen any of the bucks on camera for a while.

Not sure there is anything I can do. But deer hunting is expensive here. This is theft worth a good bit of money.

I have a suspicion that my neighbor’s hunting lease customers are the culprits. But I don’t know their names and I can’t prove anything anyway.

This particular neighbor isn’t great. They don’t maintain their fences and they are crossways with all the other neighbors. I’m the only one who hasn’t (yet) had a conflict. This doesn’t seem to be the time to go down that path.

What would your next move be?

I live in Alabama , helped my elderly grandparents maintain 100 acres and a cluster of animals . Currently at a stump in life , commercial construction is a day in - day out production line of stress and dead ambition .

Wanting to get back to doing what I’m good at .

Can build a house from the ground up , haven’t rid a horse in a while but I learn quick and get back up quicker .

Married with kids so location of job would depend on the cost of area living . Very open to trading work for room and board . Wife is a vet tech

With that being said , if you know anyone in the United States/Canada with an open position I would love to discuss possible opportunity’s

I want to learn about cattle ranching is there any YouTube channels or books or things to look up or just generally some things you guys could tell me yourselves

Looking to replace my existing closet, which doesn't seem to do the trick these days. What do y'all love/hate with your riding and work pants? Any brand or product recommendations?

I'm graduating college with an engineering degree this May and I'm looking for ranch jobs for the summer of 2024 as a career change. I have rowed and played other sports competitively at state and national levels and am not convinced about the prospect of working an office 9-5 job.

I would like to be outside and be a ranch hand. I have some experiences riding horses (rode for over 4 years before college). I have no preference for the location of the ranch and can move to anywhere in the country.

All I'm looking for is for an opportunity to continue to practice a strong work ethic, discipline, and the ability to push myself physically as I have done in sports during college. I'm also looking forward to adapting to whatever work schedule is required, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. All I ask for is housing and food.

If there are any ranches looking to hire someone with little to no experience I would appreciate if you could let me know where I could apply.

Thank you for your help.