See virtual fencing in action at Le Bons Bay field day
Banks Peninsula farmer Ian Lloyd is inviting farmers and landowners to a practical on-farm field day at Le Bons Bay later this month.
The field day will showcase how virtual fencing technology is being used to help protect spring-fed wetlands on steep, hard-to-fence country, while supporting practical farm management.
This event is aimed at hill-country farmers, lifestyle block owners, and anyone interested in new approaches to wetland protection and farming technology.
Field day details
- Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
- Time: Arrive from 1pm for a 1.15pm start
- Host: Ian Lloyd
- Venue: Gardner woolshed, 355 Le Bons Bay Road
- What you’ll hear about: Virtual fencing technology, lessons learned so far, and practical discussion about what’s working — and what’s not.
- RSVP: No registration needed — just turn up on the day.
- Afternoon tea: Time for questions and discussion over a cup of tea afterwards.
Why this trial matters
Le Bons Bay is typical of much of Banks Peninsula, where traditional fencing of waterways and wetlands can be difficult and costly due to rolling to steep terrain.
Since Christmas, Mr Lloyd has been trialling Gallagher virtual fencing collars on his beef breeding cattle as part of a partnership with Gallagher and Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).
The trial is exploring whether virtual fencing can help keep cattle away from sensitive wetlands, and whether collared cows can also influence uncollared calves to stay out of excluded areas.
Who you’ll hear from
Mr Lloyd will share his on-farm experience, including what’s worked well, what’s been challenging, and some unexpected lessons along the way.
Environment Canterbury staff will outline the wider purpose of the trial and how virtual fencing could support more practical and affordable wetland and waterway protection on hill and coastal farms across Banks Peninsula.
Gallagher representatives will explain how the system works, what the collars do, and the key costs and considerations for farmers.
Seeing virtual fencing in action
The afternoon will finish with an on-farm walk to see collared cattle in action, including how the collars are fitted and adjusted in real-life conditions.
Attendees will also be able to view a riparian exclusion strip set up as part of the trial.
The field day is a practical opportunity to see how virtual fencing technology could support wetland protection, waterway management, and day-to-day farming operations on challenging terrain.
Come along on the day: No registration is required — just arrive from 1pm for a 1.15pm start.
Gallagher virtual fencing collars being trialled on beef cattle at Le Bons Bay, Banks Peninsula
Learn more about wetland management on farms
Find practical guidance on protecting wetlands, managing waterways, and farming around sensitive areas on Banks Peninsula and across Canterbury. Explore wetland management guidance