Governor Greg Gianforte visited the Felton Angus Ranch in Deer Lodge on March 25 to showcase how Montana producers are using new technology to improve their operations. The visit coincided with Montana Agriculture Day and focused on the adoption of virtual fencing systems by local ranchers.
The topic is important as it highlights efforts by farmers and ranchers to use innovation for more efficient land management and livestock care, which can benefit both producers and the environment.
Gianforte said, “Our farmers and ranchers are embracing new and emerging technologies to improve their operations and ensure the health of our landscapes and their world-class product.” He added, “On National Agriculture Day, we celebrate Montana ranchers like the Feltons, who are caring for the land and keeping Montana agriculture strong for the next generation.”
Felton Angus Ranch has operated since 1952 as a family-run business raising registered Angus cattle. Recently, they adopted Vence, a GPS-enabled collar system that allows virtual fencing through strategically placed towers. This system lets ranchers manage grazing patterns without traditional fences. During his visit, Gianforte observed a demonstration of this technology.
Jim Felton, owner of Felton Angus Ranch, said, “Like a lot of ranchers, we’re always looking for ways to do things better. This technology helps us manage our cattle more efficiently, take better care of the land, and adapt to challenges we face out here. It’s been a game changer for our operation.”
Alicia Snow from the U.S. Forest Service explained how such tools help balance resource stewardship with working lands: “Tools like virtual fencing give us more flexibility in managing grazing on public lands while supporting the health of the landscape,” she said.
Allison Burenheide from Merck Animal Health noted that Vence allows real-time decisions that benefit operations: “Producers are looking for practical solutions that improve efficiency without adding complexity,” she said. “Virtual fencing technology helps ranchers make real-time decisions that benefit their operation, their animals, and the land.”
Since taking office, Gianforte has increased support for agriculture through tax relief measures such as raising business equipment tax exemptions from $100,000 to $1 million—removing this tax burden from over 5,000 small businesses including farms and ranches.
Looking ahead, officials say ongoing partnerships between government agencies and private industry will likely further expand technological innovation in Montana’s agricultural sector.
