A new system tested at the Borde Basse farm in Haute-Garonne is changing the way farmers manage their fields and animals. This system allows for the elimination of traditional posts and wires, enabling the creation of a field in just two minutes and making it easier to monitor animals. The farm, which includes a bio-dairy workshop with 80 dairy cows, has been testing virtual enclosures since March. Two different solutions are being tested: one from Nofence, a Norwegian company, and one from Gallagher, a New Zealand company. While the experiment is currently focused on sheep, both systems are designed to be used with cattle as well. The system uses collars on the animals, which guide them back into the virtual enclosure if they try to roam. The process begins with a small piece of music, which increases in volume and then decreases if the animal retreats. If the animal continues to try to escape, the system applies a mild electrical stimulation, followed by a second one if the animal still attempts to leave. Finally, an alarm is sent to the farmer’s smartphone if the animal escapes. According to Eric Deboeuf, the farm director, the goal is to allow the animal to return to the herd on its own, not to use excessive force. "It is not about multiplying the shocks, it is not torture!" he explains. The technology is still confidential, but early results are promising. On the first day of testing, the farm recorded 60 electrical stimulations, but by the sixth day, that number had dropped to only four. The herd instinct also plays a role, with untrained animals learning faster when they are among animals already accustomed to the system. While there have been a few issues with precision—especially near trees or buildings—the overall success has been positive. Eric Deboeuf notes that "we had very few escaped animals." The virtual fence does not replace basic farming practices, such as ensuring animals have access to shade, water, and regular check-ups. Access to the technology remains a challenge in France, as the systems are not widely available locally. Both Nofence and Gallagher require online purchases, with Nofence’s application being more user-friendly but entirely in English. The collars, which are equipped with solar panels, are designed to be used from March to November. The economic benefits of the system will be evaluated after one year of use, considering both financial and time-saving factors. Eric Deboeuf emphasizes that the time saved by using the virtual fence is significant, from setting up fields to managing grazing rotations. Additionally, the collars help detect health issues early, allowing farmers to intervene quickly if an animal is injured or unwell.