When Ivan Pavlov first realised the power of conditioning, it’s unlikely he ever imagined that his discovery would be adopted by the agricultural industry. But that’s exactly what New Zealand based company Halter has done. Halter’s AI powered collars use sound and vibration to train cows to be guided remotely without the need for farmers to herd them.

How does that work exactly? Let’s take a look at the innovative technology.

The Halter system involves fitting cows with ergonomically designed, solar powered smart collars. The collars couple with an app that monitors the cow for signs of ill-health while at the same time training them to respond to sound and vibration cues. These algorithms - or Cowgorithms® - replace the need to herd cows with traditional methods, such as fences, electric wires, motorbikes, gates, and dogs. With sound and vibration cues, a cow can learn to recognise virtual fences and remain within designated areas. 

Some of the benefits of the Halter system for farmers include addressing labour shortages, improving pasture management, and providing valuable data on animal health and wellbeing, enabling farmers to act quickly to address health concerns within their herd. With all of these improvements to farming practices, Halter is already having a positive impact on farmers’ mental health too.

It’s just one of the many innovative technologies that are revolutionising traditional farming methods and improving outcomes for both farmers and animals, and one that TelstraSuper is proud to support on behalf of members. So next time you buy a beef or dairy product, you too can feel proud of the contribution your super made to supporting smarter, more sustainable farming practices.

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