NICC pioneers GPS technology to address soil health challenges
Research on GPS-enabled electronic collars ... Submitted photo.
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is pioneering the use of GPS-enabled electronic collars for cattle to address regional soil health challenges through a multiyear research project in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Community College Alliance for Agricultural Advancement (C2A3). Deployed at Iowa’s Dairy Center, 1 mile south of the Calmar campus, this virtual fencing technology allows producers to control herd movement via smartphone, eliminating the need for physical fences and reducing the labor barriers to sustainable land management.
The initiative targets soil compaction, a “silent yield killer” that occurs when cattle remain in one area too long. The weight of the herd packs down the earth, creating a dense “hardpan” layer that restricts root growth and prevents water infi ltration. By utilizing GPS-enabled collars, farmers can easily implement rotational grazing—a system proven to increase forage production by 30% to 70% according to a recent Drovers report. This method allows grasses to develop deep, soil-anchoring roots that naturally prevent erosion and rebuild soil health.
“Seeing this technology in action is a game-changer,” said Brodie Bushman, Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agriculture Foundation operations manager. “Cows trained very quickly. I look forward to seeing how this improves our pasture this summer as we really utilize the technology.”
The research specifi cally explores the impact of strip grazing on soil health within no-till and cover crop rotations. Cover crops used at the College—including cereal rye, triticale, Italian rye grass, oats and clovers—act as “biological tillage” to break up compacted hardpan and boost future yields.
In addition to providing data for local producers, the project creates a hands-on learning environment for students. Integrated into classes on plant biology, beef science and crop management, students collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to track pasture forages and monitor soil health improvements over the next fi ve years.
Student involvement has also included the physical installation of the site. Funding from the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS) supported the effort to install the perimeter fencing, providing students with practical experience in farm infrastructure alongside their digital research.
“We are at a critical junction in agriculture where profi tability and sustainability must coexist,” said Greg Moklestad, dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Science and Agriculture. This work at the Dairy Center is part of a larger, long-term initiative at the College to bring modern, sustainable solutions to Northeast Iowa farmers.
The College will share more about this technology and other regenerative practices during the upcoming “Beyond the Fence: Grazing, Virtual Fence & Fertilizer Reduction” seminar on Tuesday, March 3 on the Calmar campus and Wednesday, March 4 on the Peosta campus. This free event brings together industry experts and local producers to discuss grazing innovation and fertilizer reduction. Certified Crop Advisers can earn 5 CEU credits.
Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing elsberndmel@nicc.edu or calling 563-562-3263, ext. 1332.
