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Ranch Operations, Facilities & EquipmentGPS Collars for Cattle
A GPS collar tells you where an animal is and where it has been. That can save trips across big pastures and show you patterns, but it only helps if you act on what it shows.
Key points
- A GPS collar shows location, not health or reasons.
- Collar a few representative cows rather than the whole herd.
- Check fit and the neck for rubbing every time you work cattle.
- Count batteries, fees and replacements in the cost.
- Keep walking the herd; technology does not replace eyes on cattle.
What a GPS collar actually does
A collar carries a small receiver that records location at set intervals and sends it to you through cell, radio or satellite. You view positions on a map in an app or on a computer. Some units also record movement, so you can see whether an animal has been lying still for a long stretch.
Most ranchers do not collar every animal. Instead they collar a few cows that represent the herd, often experienced cows that tend to lead. The idea is that where those cows go, the rest of the group is likely to be close by. That makes a limited number of collars useful on large places.
Where GPS collars earn their keep
The best use is on big, rough or brushy pastures where finding cattle takes hours. A collar can show you which part of a pasture is being grazed hard and which is ignored, which helps with stocking and water decisions. It can also show you when a group has moved to a gate or fence line, a sign that something may be wrong.
- Locating the herd in large or broken country
- Seeing which areas are over-grazed or ignored
- Spotting animals that stay in one place unusually long
- Checking whether cattle are using new water points
- Tracking cattle on leased or shared grazing
Reading the data without over-reading it
A dot on a map tells you where, not why. An animal standing still may be resting in shade, or she may be down. A cow that leaves the group at calving time may be seeking a quiet spot. Use the data to decide where to look, then go and look. Never treat a collar as a health diagnosis.
Also keep in mind that a collared animal is one cow. Calves, bulls and other cows may behave differently. Keep walking or driving through the herd on a regular schedule and keep counting.
Look at patterns over weeks, not single days. A change from the normal routine, such as a group suddenly staying near one corner, is worth a drive out, but one odd day often means nothing.
Fit, comfort and welfare
A collar should fit the animal properly and be checked on a schedule. A collar that is too tight can rub or cut in, and one that is too loose can snag. Check the neck for rubbing or sores, and check that the unit is sitting right. Growing animals need adjusting. Ask the supplier and your veterinarian about proper fit and how often to check. Plan for the safe handling of animals every time you put on or take off a collar, using a chute or head catch and following safe cattle handling practices.
Costs, batteries and service
Think beyond the purchase price. Count subscription or data fees, replacement units for lost or damaged collars, battery changes or solar charging and the labor to catch cattle for collar work. Cold weather, mud and brush are hard on equipment. Ask the vendor how long units typically last in conditions like yours and what the warranty covers. Ask an accountant how the cost should be handled for tax purposes.
Questions to ask before you buy
Test one or two units before buying a larger set.
Ask who owns the location data and who can see it. If you lease grazing, check whether the landowner also expects access, and agree on that ahead of time.
- How often does the collar report, and does that affect battery life?
- What signal does it use, and does it work across my whole ranch?
- What does the monthly fee cover?
- Can I export location history?
- How do I get alerts if an animal stays still or leaves a set area?
- What is the replacement process for a lost collar?
Common mistakes
People often collar too few or too many animals, trust the dot without checking the cow, forget to check fit and skip battery planning. Another is collecting data and never using it. Decide what question you want answered, such as where the herd is during hot weather, and review the maps with that question in mind.
Keep a simple log of each collar: the animal it is on, the date fitted, the last battery change and any problems. When a collar fails, you will know which cow lost it and when.
Sources and further reading
- Noble Research Institute
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef
- eXtension (national extension)
- Society for Range Management
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.