Nofence is a Norwegian company that makes GPS collars for farm animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) that discourage them from crossing virtual fences.
Oscar Hovde Berntsen has been working on the idea of virtual fencing, as an alternative to fixed
electric fencing, since the 1990s.
Nofence was incorporated in 2011.
In 2016, there was a pilot project in Norway with 850 goats.
In 2017, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority approved the use of Nofence for goats; and for cattle and sheep in 2020.
Nofence are based in
Batnfjordsøra
Batnfjordsøra is the administrative centre of Gjemnes Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. The village is located at the end of the Batnfjorden at the mouth of the river Batnfjordelva. European Route E39 passes through the villa ...
, Norway, with a UK office in
Warwick
Warwick ( ) is a market town, civil parish and the county town of Warwickshire in the Warwick District in England, adjacent to the River Avon. It is south of Coventry, and south-east of Birmingham. It is adjoined with Leamington Spa and Whi ...
.
The solar-powered collars play a melody "ringtone" when the animal reaches the fence, and if they continue, a small shock, as with an
electric fence
An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter people or animals from crossing a boundary. The voltage of the shock may have effects ranging from discomfort to death. Most electric fences are used for agricultural fencing an ...
.
Farmers can use a mobile app to change boundaries throughout the day, and avoid over-grazing.
Fenceless grazing is being supported by conservationists and farmers, particularly in sensitive areas or difficult upland areas where physical fencing would be impractical, expensive or inappropriate.
In September 2020, The Times reported that trials were being conducted at six sites in the UK, including
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is a area of ancient woodland, and other established habitats, which straddles the border between Greater London and Essex. The main body of the forest stretches from Epping in the north, to Chingford on the edge of the London ...
, in Essex.
In December 2020, Nofence stated that 17,000 collars were in use in Norway.
References
{{Reflist
External links
Official website
Fences
Perimeter security
Norwegian companies established in 2011
Manufacturing companies established in 2011