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Student showcases GPS ear-tag technology for cattle herd management
Summary
An FFA student demonstrated GPS ear-tag technology that can track cattle locations, store health records and support geofencing; the presenter said battery life can be up to five years and tags range roughly $80–$120 with an annual subscription.
A student presenter (speaker 6) described how GPS ear tags and related systems allow ranchers to monitor herd location and health in real time. "With new GPS technology, you can see their every movement and their exact location," the student said, listing capabilities including geofencing alerts, disease detection through biometric monitoring and storage of individual animal records.
During questions, staff and board members asked about technical details, cost and USDA adoption. The presenter said satellite-controlled tags can work where cellular service is sparse and reported that tags commonly cost about $80–$120 each with a modest annual subscription (the presenter described a $15-per-year subscription model), and batteries can last up to about five years. The superintendent asked whether the USDA is using such tracking for traceability; the presenter said USDA interest exists and that traceability to the farm of origin is an area of active discussion.
Board members and staff provided presentation feedback (eye contact, strategic pauses and emphasis) and encouraged practice for sectionals and state competition.
