Spring into 2026: New farms, new features, and a big summer ahead

Spring is here, and we have quite a bit to share. From new farms joining the Nofence community across the UK, to a raft of product updates that make this the best grazing season yet, here is your Q1 and Q2 roundup from the UK team.

Growing across the UK

The start of 2026 has been a busy one for the UK team. We welcomed several new farms to Nofence in the first quarter, from Jersey and up way past the Highlands and in Northern Ireland. It is great to see the community growing right across the country.

The farms joining us this season are as varied as the land they manage. From hill farmers running cattle on common land, to lowland beef producers looking to make the most of their pastures, Nofence is being put to work in all kinds of settings.

Just do it: Why Hampton Estate switched to virtual fencing

James Windridge, Head of Farming at Hampton Estate, has fully embraced virtual fencing as part of his daily routine. “First thing in the morning, I wake up and check the app so I know exactly where my cows are. Then I head out to them, assess the available grazing, and tweak the boundaries to suit,” he explains. This simple, flexible approach allows him to manage his herd with precision and confidence every day.

For James, the benefits are clear. “It’s a real time-saver, and not having to physically erect fences makes a huge difference. Animal welfare is paramount, and with this system I can monitor their activity and movement at all times,” he says. The ability to adapt grazing patterns quickly not only improves efficiency but also supports better outcomes for the livestock.

He also highlights just how easy it is to get started. “It’s remarkably simple to set up, the app is easy to use, and within a couple of weeks, the cows are fully grazing with it,” James adds. His advice to other farmers considering the technology is straightforward: “Just do it - you won’t be disappointed.”

UK Public Funding Schemes That Support Virtual Fencing

Virtual fencing continues to be supported across UK agricultural policy. Across England, Scotland and Wales, government funding schemes actively include virtual fencing as an eligible technology, reflecting the recognition from policymakers that it delivers real benefits for farmers, livestock welfare and the environment.

If you are looking to invest in virtual fencing with financial support behind you, check out the funding schemes available in your area.

See available funding schemes for your area

What's new this season and beyond

This spring brings some significant updates to the Nofence system. Two in particular are worth highlighting:

Better battery life across the whole season

Thanks to HerdNet, our collars for cattle can now last the entire grazing season without a battery change. HerdNet is the collars' own local network, using Bluetooth to keep boundaries synchronised even in areas with weak mobile coverage and dramatically reducing how often collars need to check in. Less energy use, less maintenance, more time focusing on your herd.

Read about the 2026 battery breakthrough here

Heat detection is coming

Our new heat detection feature will help you identify the optimal breeding window for your animals, directly in the Nofence app. It is a significant step towards giving farmers a complete picture of herd health and productivity, right from their phone.

Read more about heat detection

Events in Q2: Come and find us

We have an exciting spring and summer ahead. From Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm in June to Groundswell at Lannock Farm in July, there are plenty of opportunities to meet the team, see virtual fencing in action, and have a chat.

Find out more about where we will be

A new home online

We have launched a new Nofence website, and it is worth a visit. Alongside a cleaner look and easier navigation, we now have our own news page where we publish updates, stories, and insights directly. Bookmark it and check back regularly.

Reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you! 

If you would like to know more about how Nofence fits into your farm's plans this season, get in touch with the UK team. We would love to hear from you!