Exploring hiking trails amidst the dairy farm landscape at the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument through innovative approaches
New Technology Enables Remote Cattle Management at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument
The Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument in California, a sprawling expanse of coastal prairie, redwood groves, oak trees, and Native American archaeological sites, has recently opened its doors to the public. One of the unique features of this monument is the use of modern technology to manage the cattle that graze within its borders.
Wayne Pastorino, who has been leasing grazing land at Cotoni-Coast Dairies for about a quarter of a century, is one of the ranchers utilizing this innovative approach. His cows are fitted with GPS-enabled collars provided by the company Halter. These collars, each weighing just two pounds, are equipped with a small solar panel and are responsible for the virtual fencing boundaries that control where and when the cows graze.
Paige Pastorino, Wayne's daughter, manages the app for the GPS tracking system. The technology allows her to adjust the boundaries dynamically, ensuring the cows graze efficiently while protecting sensitive areas. If a cow strays from its designated area, the collar emits an audio or vibration cue to gently guide it back. In extreme cases, the collar may even give a light shock.
This system, often referred to as "cowboying from the couch," reduces the need for physical fencing and labor. It also increases forage utilization and minimizes erosion and damage to important habitats like streambanks. At Cotoni-Coast Dairies, this technology enables thoughtful, flexible land use that aligns with the monument’s multi-use goals, balancing ranching, conservation, and increasing public visitation, expected to reach 250,000 annually.
The partnership between Halter, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other organizations promotes modern ranching that supports thriving ecosystems and protects sensitive landscapes on valuable public lands.
Reesa Feldsher and Jennifer Cass, two hikers eager to explore the trails at Cotoni-Coast Dairies, were pleased to find that during their hike, no cows were seen on the trail. They have waited over 20 years for trails at this national monument.
As the cows at Cotoni-Coast Dairies graze peacefully and quietly, the technology ensures that they are managed efficiently, protecting natural resources while sustaining agricultural productivity within the national monument. The opening of Cotoni-Coast Dairies marks a significant step in the use of modern technology to manage public lands and balance the needs of ranching, conservation, and public visitation.
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