Visit Nofence at Agroforestry Show to learn about virtual fencing opportunities in silvopasture systems

Farmers and conservationists looking to improve the grazing management of livestock in woodlands can learn about how virtual fencing can support silvopasture systems by visiting Nofence on Stand J at the Agroforestry Show on September 6-7 in Swindon.

“Silvopasture is the integration of grazing livestock, forage plants and forestry together for a mutually beneficial relationship amongst the entire ecosystem,” explains John Smout, Sales Manager for Nofence UK.

For cattle, trees not only provide shelter from the environmental stress of winter and summer but also encourage natural behaviour by giving them coverage. Trees also increase biodiversity in their diets, which supports rumen function. In return, cattle add nutrients back into the soil and also support biodiversity by pruning back trees and grazing forage on forest floors.

While this symbiotic relationship has many commercial and conservation opportunities and expands usable acreage, it often comes with the difficult challenge of border fencing and the inability to manage livestock grazing areas within.

Benefits of Nofence virtual fencing in silvopasture

Developed by a Norwegian mountain grazer and commercially available in the UK since 2021, Nofence virtual fencing offers agroforesters the ability to manage grazing within woodland areas without physical fencing.

Through a combination of GPS, cellular communication and audio signals, Nofence grazing technology works with animal behaviour to create a virtual fencing perimeter that can be monitored and changed with a smartphone app.

“Using the Nofence app, farmers set virtual pasture boundaries by picking up GPS surveying from available satellites. Livestock wearing Nofence collars can then be turned out on the set area to graze without physical fencing. When an animal crosses the Nofence boundary, an audio warning will sound. If the animal does not turn around when cued with the audio signal, it will receive an electric pulse. The collars which issue the pulse and track animal location are developed with solar panels to ensure long-lasting battery life throughout the grazing season,” explains Mr Smout.

The technology also allows grazers to create exclusion zones, which can be used to keep livestock from grazing any areas that need to be restricted.

Nofence representatives will be on Stand J with cattle and sheep collars at the Agroforestry Show on September 6-7 in Swindon to demonstrate how they work and to discuss livestock usage suitability.

To learn more about Nofence, visit nofence.co.uk