Founded in Norway in 2011 by goat farmer Oscar Hovde, Nofence is the world’s first commercial virtual fencing system for livestock.
This groundbreaking technology offers an innovative and animal-friendly solution to traditional fencing, reducing stress, promoting animal wellbeing and streamlining livestock management.
With animal welfare at its core, Nofence eliminates the need for physical barriers, reducing the risk of injury, minimising the stress associated with handling, and bringing animals in cohesion with nature, reconnecting them with the land.
Innovative virtual fencing solution for sustainable and animal-friendly farming
Nofence’s system relies on two key components: solar-powered GPS collars worn by livestock and a user-friendly app. Farmers can create, adjust or remove virtual boundaries directly from their phones, enabling real-time tracking and responsive herd management. If an animal does manage to escape, farmers can locate them outside the pasture as they will receive a push notification when the animal crosses the boundary. Moreover, the app notifies farmers if an animal has not moved in four hours – signalling potential illness or entrapment.
With Nofence, animals learn to associate a series of escalating audio cues with the virtual boundary. When an animal approaches the boundary, the collar emits sounds that gradually increase in pitch, prompting it to change direction. If the animal continues forward, it receives a mild electric pulse – designed to be half as intense as traditional electric fences.
Beyond improving welfare, virtual fencing opens new possibilities for more sustainable land management. With the ability to adjust grazing areas quickly and easily, farmers can improve pasture rotation, support biodiversity, and create healthier ecosystems—all while increasing efficiency and cutting costs.
As agriculture continues to evolve, Nofence is focused on refining its technology to better support farmers in balancing productivity with sustainability. By making livestock management smarter and more adaptable, Nofence is paving the way for a future where innovation and responsible farming go hand in hand.
Areas of expertise:
- Virtual fencing
- Animal welfare
- Sustainable agricultural practices
- Digital innovation in agriculture
Research interests:
- Integration of virtual fencing technologies
- Animal welfare and health
- Land management
- Sustainable agriculture
