Starting January 1, 2026, the use of virtual fencing will be permitted in Sweden.

Starting January 1, 2026, the use of virtual fencing will be permitted in Sweden.

Virtual fencing will simplify daily life for many farmers, reducing labor time and fencing costs while opening up new grazing opportunities on land that was previously difficult to utilize.

Using GPS technology, grazing areas are drawn digitally within an app. The animals wear collars that emit an escalating audio signal, prompting trained animals to turn back into the pasture. If they ignore the audio signal and continue without turning, they receive a weak electric pulse upon crossing the boundary. The system makes moving pastures and resource planning easy, while providing 24/7 monitoring of your herd.

The benefits are numerous. Animals are freed from physical barriers, and stress during predator attacks may be reduced. Concurrently, more land can be used for grazing, which benefits biodiversity.

The technology has been tested with positive results. Research shows that animals learn the system quickly and that the technology performs well in practice. Institutions like RISE and SLU have evaluated the technology for several years; see, for example, Lotten Wahlund’s licentiate thesis: Cattle adaption to virtual fence in seminatural pasture with multiple virtual borders.

This decision strengthens the competitiveness of Swedish farmers and contributes to more sustainable agriculture. Virtual fencing simplifies pasture management and expansion, improves animal welfare, and reduces costs.