The virtual system promises huge benefit for farmers, consumers, and wildlife, as more cows can graze on nutritious grass and fewer have to sit in the feedlot.

North America lost several million of its native grazers in the 19th century, and much of the prairie land that's left which hasn't become farmland is missing the ecosystem services the bison herds once provided.

By not having to worry about building fences or overwatching them with cowboys on horseback, larger herds can live semi-natural existences on North American land, helping to enrich the soil and disperse native seeds all with substantially lower labor and material costs for the rancher.

That's the promise at least; the technology is just emerging in the ranching industry. But what do early adopters have to say about it?