Introduction – The Game-Changer for Goat Farmers
If you’re raising goats, you know fencing can be one of your biggest expenses and headaches. Traditional fencing isn’t just costly upfront; it requires ongoing maintenance due to goats’ natural curiosity and agility. Goats frequently climb, push, or break through fences, leading to constant repairs and the need for vigilant monitoring. Additionally, setting up fencing on rugged or uneven terrain can be labor-intensive, expensive, and complicated, especially for rotational grazing practices where fences need frequent moving or adjustments. Enter virtual fencing—a revolutionary approach that’s transforming how farmers manage their herds without traditional fences. Nofence, a leader in this space, has proven especially effective for goats. But does it really work, and can your goats adapt to it quickly?
What Exactly is Nofence?
Nofence, established in 2011 in Norway, offers a solar-powered GPS collar system that defines virtual boundaries. When goats approach a set boundary, they hear an audio cue. If they continue, a mild electric pulse follows, teaching them to stay within the set perimeter.
Today, over 150,000 collars are in use worldwide, trusted by more than 8,000 farmers across diverse terrains and herd sizes.
Does It Really Work?
Absolutely—and there’s data to back it up:
- Containment Success: Approximately 99% effective after initial training.
- Training Time: Typically just 5–10 days.
- Labor Savings: Farmers report up to 20 hours saved weekly on fence maintenance.
- Safety and Welfare: The gentle training process ensures minimal stress and effective learning.
You may have seen the virtual fencing on Clarkson’s Farm!
Training Goats with Nofence – Easier Than You Think
Here’s a brief overview of what the initial training involves:
- Initial Setup: Collars fitted, and a small physically-fenced training area established.
- Day 1–3: Goats learn the audio cue followed by a mild pulse if they cross boundaries.
- Day 4–7: Reinforcement through positive cues, minimal shocks required.
- Final Transition: Physical fences are removed, goats reliably respect virtual boundaries.
After this initial training, the goats remember and respond to the system—even when moved to new areas, making rotational grazing effortless.
Detailed Steps for Effective Training
- Choose Your Training Area: Begin with a physically secure area that’s smaller than your usual grazing space to ensure goats frequently encounter boundaries.
- Proper Collar Fitting: Ensure the collar is correctly adjusted with a comfortable fit that allows a small gap (about two fingers wide).
- Introduce Goats to the Audio Cue: Allow goats to naturally explore boundaries, becoming familiar with the sound signals.
- Observe and Adjust: Closely monitor your goats’ responses. Adjust boundary lines slightly through the app if needed to help goats clearly understand limits.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward goats with treats or favorite forage inside the boundary to reinforce their correct behavior.
Once these steps are consistently followed, goats will reliably adapt to new virtual fences with minimal supervision.
Has Nofence Been Tested in All Conditions?
Nofence has been thoroughly tested and proven effective across diverse climates and terrains, from snowy and mountainous regions in Norway to warmer, varied landscapes in the United States. Its solar-powered collars are robust and weather-resistant, suitable for extreme temperatures, heavy rain, and snow. However, the system’s performance depends on reliable GPS and mobile network coverage, so it might not work effectively in areas with consistently poor cellular reception or dense forest canopy limiting GPS signals.
Who Should Consider Virtual Fencing?
- Small-scale goat operations looking to cut costs and labor.
- Farms with challenging terrains like hills, woodlands, or conservation areas.
- Farmers practicing rotational grazing for improved pasture health.
- Operations involved in land restoration or conservation grazing.
Conclusion – Why It’s Worth Your Attention
Nofence virtual fencing is proven, practical, and highly adaptable. With rapid training, permanent learning, and proven effectiveness, it offers goat farmers flexibility, labor savings, and cost-effective herd management.
I’m not personally using No Fence, or any other virtual fencing. However, it’s definitely on my radar for my own goats.
If you’re using it and have experience, leave a comment-I’d love to know your experience!
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