Most dairy farmers have received that fateful call from neighbors, or indeed police, informing them the cows have broken out and are on the main road, or destroying someone’s garden.
Chaos ensues. After the wanderers have been driven back to where they belong, the blame games begin as to who forgot to repair that broken fence.
But thanks to cutting-edge modern technology, cows can now be kept in the desired areas using no physical fencing at all. Instead they’re given a stern warning, digitally, if they try to abscond.
Grini Farm in Norway is one of those farms that’s benefiting from virtual fencing, which is also allowing them to graze more areas of the farm with youngstock. The farm dates back to the 1500s. It’s now run by Maren Grini and her husband, Hans Olav, with their three young children – Ingebjorg, 4, Margit, 3, and Olav, 6 months.
Grini works full time on the farm, which is located in Ringsaker municipality. She’s helped by her husband, who also runs his own plumbing business. Olav’s father also helps out part-time.
Grini said, “We bought the farm in 2018 and converted to organic production the next year. The farm is primarily based on dairy and grass production, although in good years we also grow some grain.
“The property extends to around 500 acres, of which 408 acres are forest and outlying land, and 92 acres are fully cultivated. In addition, we rent another 60 acres of fully cultivated land from a neighboring farm.”
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