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With the arrival of spring and summer, more and more farmers are preparing to release their animals for free-range grazing in the mountains, forest pastures, and other remote areas. This is a key moment in the year that brings many benefits—healthier food for the animals, better meat and milk quality, and lower feed costs. However, it also comes with real challenges that require proper preparation.
In this article, we will examine the most common difficulties faced by livestock farmers and offer practical solutions and guidance for each issue.
🔻 1. Distance and Lack of Constant Supervision
Problem:
In pasture-based farming, especially in mountainous regions, animals are often kilometers away from the farm. Constant monitoring is impossible, increasing the risk of lost animals, theft, or accidents.
Solution:
✅ Use GPS devices like the 4G Master GPS from MyGPSing to track the real-time location of each animal directly from your phone.
✅ Set up geofences to alert you if an animal leaves the designated perimeter.
✅ Equip only key animals that lead the herd—this reduces investment while maximizing effectiveness.
🐺 2. Predator Attacks
Problem:
Wolves, jackals, and other predators can attack the herd, especially at night or in the absence of human presence.
Solution:
✅ Install alarm systems or GPS trackers with alerts for unusual activity.
✅ Use shepherd dogs of appropriate breeds, such as the Karakachan Shepherd.
✅ Regularly check GPS data—sudden movements or clustering of animals in one area may indicate danger.
🧭 3. Loss of Animals in Unfamiliar Terrain
Problem:
Animals may scatter, descend into ravines, climb rocks, or enter wooded areas from which they are difficult to retrieve.
Solution:
✅ Use GPS maps with movement history to quickly locate and retrieve stray animals.
✅ Monitor herd habits to identify animals that frequently stray over time.
🌧️ 4. Unpredictable Weather Conditions
Problem:
Mountain weather changes rapidly—fog, storms, heavy rains, or sudden snowfall can endanger the herd.
Solution:
✅ Monitor animal movements in real-time and redirect them to safer areas as needed.
✅ Use mobile shelters or temporary structures that can be relocated as necessary.
✅ Keep track of weather forecasts and plan grazing routes accordingly.
💰 5. High Labor Costs
Problem:
Traditional livestock farming requires at least one person to monitor the herd daily, incurring expenses for wages, food, transportation, and other logistics.
Solution:
✅ GPS devices reduce the need for constant human supervision—farmers can monitor remotely and visit the herd only when necessary.
✅ Data from devices enable better planning, reducing the need for unnecessary checks.
🩺 6. Challenges in Health Monitoring
Problem:
Diseases often first manifest through behavioral changes—reduced activity, isolation from the group, loss of appetite. Without observation, these symptoms may go unnoticed.
Solution:
✅ Use GPS devices with activity monitoring features to track daily movement.
✅ A sudden drop in activity may signal a problem—respond promptly to prevent complications.
📋 How to Prepare Before Releasing the Herd:
🛠 Check the condition of GPS devices, collars, and batteries.
📱 Set up geofences in the mobile application according to the terrain.
🚜 Plan the grazing route and identify potential risk areas.
🧑🌾 Assign a responsible person or schedule periodic on-site inspections.
📊 Create a log or system for collecting information—pastures, behavior, activity, number of animals.
✅ Conclusion: A Secure Start to the Season with MyGPSing
Security and efficiency in free-range grazing are not matters of luck—they result from good planning, proper tools, and innovative technologies. GPS devices from MyGPSing already help dozens of farmers in Bulgaria save time, money, and effort while taking better care of their animals.
📍 Ready for the new season? Explore our GPS solutions and start the grazing campaign confidently and without unnecessary risks!
