A Leap for Swedish Farming – Green Light for Virtual Fencing Draws Closer

The summer of 2025 brought long-awaited news for everyone passionate about vibrant landscapes and sustainable agriculture. On June 11th, the Swedish government announced an agreement to notify the EU Commission of a proposal to amend the Animal Welfare Ordinance. The goal? To legalize virtual fencing in Swedish grazing operations starting January 1, 2026.

For those of you managing sheep or cattle—especially conservation farmers working on rugged or difficult terrain—this is nothing short of a revolution.

Less Scrub, More Biodiversity – and Free Weekends

We all know the countless hours spent clearing fence lines, pounding posts, and fixing wires broken by wildlife. Virtual fencing doesn’t just eliminate heavy physical labor; it unlocks entirely new pastures.

With technology like Skygraze, you can easily fence off small or irregular patches of land that were previously too costly or difficult to enclose. It allows for effortless rotational grazing, maximizing grass growth and soil health while keeping the landscape open.

Technology with Animal Welfare at Heart

This isn't just about efficiency; it's about animal welfare. The technology is backed by years of research, including studies from RISE, showing that animals quickly adapt to the system. Using audio cues to warn the animal before a mild electric pulse is delivered creates a clear, learnable boundary. Furthermore, the GPS capability gives you total visibility of your herd’s location directly on your phone—offering peace of mind wherever you are.

The Future Rests with the EU

This proposal aligns with the report "Animal Production with High Competitiveness and Good Animal Welfare," which suggests that virtual fencing should be treated similarly to traditional electric fencing under the law. The technology is ready, the farmers are ready, and now the Swedish government is ready.

In conclusion:
We at Skygraze warmly welcome the government's initiative. It is a decision that breathes new hope into rural enterprise and landscape conservation. We now sincerely hope that the EU Commission will shortly agree to allow Sweden to amend its Animal Welfare Act, enabling the full use of virtual fencing by 2026. It is a win for farmers, a win for livestock, and a win for Swedish nature.