Livestock GPS — Buyer Guide

LoRa vs 4G, battery life, geofencing and mortality detection — the full breakdown.

Choosing the right GPS tracker for livestock depends on your farm size, terrain, number of animals, connectivity and budget. This guide compares LoRa-based and 4G LTE collar trackers across the key decision factors: range, battery life, accuracy, features (geofencing, mortality detection, activity monitoring), collar durability and ongoing costs. We recommend specific models for cattle, sheep, horses and working dogs, with practical tips for fitting, charging and managing your tracking network.

Key features

• LoRa vs 4G Comparison. Range, coverage, battery life, cost and feature differences between the two main technologies.
• Battery Life Reality Check. Real-world battery performance by species, update frequency and environmental conditions.
• Geofencing Best Practices. How to define effective geofence boundaries, handle false alerts and manage multi-paddock rotations.
• Mortality & Distress Detection. How no-movement, temperature and posture alerts work. Setting thresholds to minimise false alarms.
• Collar Fitting Guide. Correct sizing, positioning and adjustment for cattle, sheep, horses and dogs.
• Cost Calculator. Total cost of ownership for 10, 50 and 100-animal deployments including hardware, connectivity and platform.

What SIM and data plan do I need?

For 4G collars, you'll need a standard data SIM from any UK network — EE, Vodafone, O2 or Three all work. Most collars use very little data (typically 500MB to 2GB per month per collar), so a basic multi-SIM plan is cost-effective for larger herds. You can bring your own SIM or buy pre-configured ones from us.

LoRa collars don't use mobile networks at all — they connect to your own gateway via long-range radio, so there's no monthly SIM cost. Some 4G models support dual-SIM failover, automatically switching networks if one loses signal, which is useful in remote valleys or border areas with patchy coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Can GPS track sheep on open hills?

Yes — 4G collars work anywhere with mobile coverage. LoRa collars need a gateway within range (up to 15km line-of-sight, less in hilly terrain).

Will the collar withstand water and mud?

All livestock collars are fully waterproof and designed for continuous outdoor use in all UK weather conditions.

How often should I check the collar?

Inspect monthly during routine handling. Check for rubbing, collar tightness and battery status via the app.

Do I need planning permission to install a gateway?

No — gateways are small outdoor units similar to a satellite dish. Most farms can install them without planning consent.

What happens if a collar battery dies?

You'll receive a low-battery alert in the app several days before it runs out, giving you time to swap or recharge the collar during routine handling.

Can I track animals across multiple fields?

Yes — geofencing lets you define unlimited zones. You'll get alerts when animals enter or leave each area, perfect for rotational grazing.

How accurate is the location?

Typically within 5–10 metres in open fields. Accuracy may reduce slightly in dense woodland or steep valleys but remains practical for livestock management.