Virtual fences could help save biodiversity

Arla is testing virtual fencing on its innovation farm in Finngarne, near Norrtälje, to help preserve Sweden’s disappearing natural pastures.

The natural pastures in Sweden are some of the most biodiverse environments on Earth, hosting up to 40 plant species per square meter. Grazing is essential to maintaining this biodiversity, but traditional fencing is costly and impractical, especially in rugged or forested areas.

The new technology, developed by Norwegian company Nofence, uses GPS-enabled collars connected to a mobile app. Farmers can draw virtual boundaries, and when a cow nears the edge, it hears a sound that intensifies as it gets closer. If the animal continues, it receives a mild electric pulse—less than 10% the strength of a traditional electric fence. The system is designed to be safe and non-stressful for animals, and cows quickly learn to respect the virtual boundaries.

Initial results are promising: the cows graze more efficiently, sensitive plants are better protected, and inaccessible areas like hillsides, forests, and coastlines can now be used for grazing. For farmers, the system reduces labor, avoids physical fence damage, and makes animal tracking easier. Although still restricted to research use in Sweden, a government application to the EU aims to approve virtual fences by January 2026.