Isle of Lewis crofter transforming grazing management
Donald MacSween, a crofter based in the picturesque Isle of Lewis, Scotland, is redefining agricultural practices on his croft. With a background in conservation and a passion for sustainable farming, Donald has found a powerful ally in Nofence’s virtual fencing technology.
Isle of Lewis crofter transforming grazing management
Donald MacSween, a crofter based in the picturesque Isle of Lewis, Scotland, is redefining agricultural practices on his croft. With a background in conservation and a passion for sustainable farming, Donald has found a powerful ally in Nofence’s virtual fencing technology.
Donald started using Nofence in 2021, intially managing five cattle — he quickly recognized the potential of the collars to transform his grazing practices. “Within a week of getting the collars, I bought another cow because I could see how it was going to work,” Donald shares.
His innovative approach allowed him to utilize neglected crofts, which many locals had abandoned due to financial constraints. By collaborating with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), he began grazing his cattle on these underused lands, enriching biodiversity while optimizing his farming practices.
Donald started using Nofence in 2021, intially managing five cattle — he quickly recognized the potential of the collars to transform his grazing practices. “Within a week of getting the collars, I bought another cow because I could see how it was going to work,” Donald shares.
His innovative approach allowed him to utilize neglected crofts, which many locals had abandoned due to financial constraints. By collaborating with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), he began grazing his cattle on these underused lands, enriching biodiversity while optimizing his farming practices.
“Within a week of getting the collars, I bought another cow because I could see how it was going to work.” — Donald MacSween
“Within a week of getting the collars, I bought another cow because I could see how it was going to work.” — Donald MacSween
Cutting costs while enriching the land
One of the most compelling advantages of Nofence technology for Donald has been the significant reduction in feed costs. “I would say it’ll be 80 to 90 percent savings in terms of my feed costs,” he estimates. During the winter of 2022-2023, while other farmers struggled with a 32 percent increase in feed prices, Donald's expenses remained stable, thanks to the effective grazing management enabled by the collars.
His cattle thrive on diverse grazing grounds, and the benefits extend beyond financial savings. “In the summer, I couldn’t believe the colours and flowers that were there,” he recalls, observing a resurgence of flora on the land. “They’re fertilizing it, breaking up the ground, and awakening the seed bank.”
Cutting costs while enriching the land
One of the most compelling advantages of Nofence technology for Donald has been the significant reduction in feed costs. “I would say it’ll be 80 to 90 percent savings in terms of my feed costs,” he estimates. During the winter of 2022-2023, while other farmers struggled with a 32 percent increase in feed prices, Donald's expenses remained stable, thanks to the effective grazing management enabled by the collars.
His cattle thrive on diverse grazing grounds, and the benefits extend beyond financial savings. “In the summer, I couldn’t believe the colours and flowers that were there,” he recalls, observing a resurgence of flora on the land. “They’re fertilizing it, breaking up the ground, and awakening the seed bank.”
“I would say it’ll be 80 to 90 percent savings in terms of my feed costs.”
— Donald MacSween
“I would say it’ll be 80 to 90 percent savings in terms of my feed costs.”
— Donald MacSween
Effortless herd management at his fingertips
The Nofence system has streamlined Donald’s day-to-day operations. Gone are the days of scouring the hills for wandering cattle. With the app on his phone, he can monitor their movements in real time. “I know where they are at all times on my phone,” he explains. The peace of mind is invaluable, especially when traveling. “I was on holiday two years ago, and I was literally sitting by the pool changing the boundary from afar.”
Donald appreciates that he no longer receives phone calls at odd hours about cows on the road. “I’m so confident that nothing will go wrong,” he states. “The infrastructure lasts longer because I don’t have to replace posts or anything the cows damage. It’s a massive time saver.”
Effortless herd management at his fingertips
The Nofence system has streamlined Donald’s day-to-day operations. Gone are the days of scouring the hills for wandering cattle. With the app on his phone, he can monitor their movements in real time. “I know where they are at all times on my phone,” he explains. The peace of mind is invaluable, especially when traveling. “I was on holiday two years ago, and I was literally sitting by the pool changing the boundary from afar.”
Donald appreciates that he no longer receives phone calls at odd hours about cows on the road. “I’m so confident that nothing will go wrong,” he states. “The infrastructure lasts longer because I don’t have to replace posts or anything the cows damage. It’s a massive time saver.”
Smart training for natural grazing and animal welfare
Donald’s priority has always been the well-being of his livestock, and Nofence has proven to be a valuable tool in ensuring that. The collars, using audio cues, help the cattle understand their boundaries, reducing stress compared to traditional physical fencing.
“The collars make the training process straightforward,” says Donald. “The cattle quickly get used to the audio cues, and it’s impressive how effective the system is without needing to rely on physical fences.”
He emphasizes that with virtual fencing, the animals are free to graze naturally, promoting both their well-being and the health of the land. "It's a win-win for animal welfare and sustainable grazing."
Smart training for natural grazing and animal welfare
Donald’s priority has always been the well-being of his livestock, and Nofence has proven to be a valuable tool in ensuring that. The collars, using audio cues, help the cattle understand their boundaries, reducing stress compared to traditional physical fencing.
“The collars make the training process straightforward,” says Donald. “The cattle quickly get used to the audio cues, and it’s impressive how effective the system is without needing to rely on physical fences.”
He emphasizes that with virtual fencing, the animals are free to graze naturally, promoting both their well-being and the health of the land. "It's a win-win for animal welfare and sustainable grazing."
Successfully expanding Nofence for sheep
In addition to his work with cattle, Donald has successfully introduced Nofence collars to his flock of around 300 ewes. While initially experimenting with the technology on a small scale, he was impressed with the results.
“I got them really as an experiment to see how they would work, and they’ve worked brilliantly,” he shares, reflecting on the ease with which the sheep adapted to the virtual boundaries. The collars have proven highly effective in keeping even the most adventurous sheep within their designated areas, giving Donald greater control over grazing.
Donald remains optimistic about the potential of Nofence for the broader sheep farming industry in Scotland. With approximately six million sheep across the country, this innovative solution could transform grazing practices. "The technology offers a valuable tool for more efficient and flexible sheep management," he explains, underscoring the potential benefits for other crofters and sheep farmers alike.
Successfully expanding Nofence for sheep
In addition to his work with cattle, Donald has successfully introduced Nofence collars to his flock of around 300 ewes. While initially experimenting with the technology on a small scale, he was impressed with the results.
“I got them really as an experiment to see how they would work, and they’ve worked brilliantly,” he shares, reflecting on the ease with which the sheep adapted to the virtual boundaries. The collars have proven highly effective in keeping even the most adventurous sheep within their designated areas, giving Donald greater control over grazing.
Donald remains optimistic about the potential of Nofence for the broader sheep farming industry in Scotland. With approximately six million sheep across the country, this innovative solution could transform grazing practices. "The technology offers a valuable tool for more efficient and flexible sheep management," he explains, underscoring the potential benefits for other crofters and sheep farmers alike.
Pioneering the future of sustainable crofting
Donald’s experience with Nofence highlights the potential for innovative technology in sustainable farming and believes that there is significant potential for virtual fencing technology in Scotland. As he continues to expand his herd, which has grown from five to 26 cattle in just three years, Donald remains a pioneering figure in the crofting community. He believes that with grants available for new crofters, more farmers should embrace virtual fencing. “It would save so much hassle across all of crofting,” he says.
Pioneering the future of sustainable crofting
Donald’s experience with Nofence highlights the potential for innovative technology in sustainable farming and believes that there is significant potential for virtual fencing technology in Scotland. As he continues to expand his herd, which has grown from five to 26 cattle in just three years, Donald remains a pioneering figure in the crofting community. He believes that with grants available for new crofters, more farmers should embrace virtual fencing. “It would save so much hassle across all of crofting,” he says.
Maximizing grazing flexibility on Scottish Highlands
Maximizing grazing flexibility on Scottish Highlands
David Girvan farms in the Scottish Highlands, where Nofence helps him graze more efficiently across vast, unfenced hill ground and nature reserves. As he transitions to organic farming, virtual fencing supports his goals of lowering inputs, improving animal welfare, and protecting sensitive habitats.
Grazing smarter on Salisbury Plain
Grazing smarter on Salisbury Plain
James Waight runs a seventh-generation farm on Salisbury Plain, balancing cattle grazing with military activity and conservation. With Nofence, he’s replaced unreliable fencing, gained control over grazing in protected areas, and improved both land management and livestock safety.
Maximizing grazing flexibility on Scottish Highlands
Maximizing grazing flexibility on Scottish Highlands
David Girvan farms in the Scottish Highlands, where Nofence helps him graze more efficiently across vast, unfenced hill ground and nature reserves. As he transitions to organic farming, virtual fencing supports his goals of lowering inputs, improving animal welfare, and protecting sensitive habitats.
Grazing smarter on Salisbury Plain
Grazing smarter on Salisbury Plain
James Waight runs a seventh-generation farm on Salisbury Plain, balancing cattle grazing with military activity and conservation. With Nofence, he’s replaced unreliable fencing, gained control over grazing in protected areas, and improved both land management and livestock safety.
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