The Nesland family simplifies a busy life with Monil's virtual fences

Discover how the Nesland family uses Monil’s virtual fence to manage their heritage breed cattle, blending tradition with innovation, all while simplifying their busy farm life.

The Nesland family out in the field
The Nesland family out in the field
Mooonil Team

With Monil’s virtual fence, the Nesland family can allow their Telemarksfe, a traditional Norwegian breed of dairy cattle, graze freely in the historic cultural landscape. This conservation grazing method helps preserve both the cultural heritage of the land and the natural environment of the animals. Read here how our technology simplifies their busy lives and enables a sustainable grazing operation that enhances biodiversity, supports the health of the land, and protects cultural heritage.


When Erlend Nesland and his wife took over the family farm in Norway’s Telemark in early 2022, they had a clear vision: to breathe new life into the farm while safeguarding its rich heritage and unique history.

They intentionally chose the heritage breed Telemarksfe as both a tribute to the region’s history and a sustainable investment in the farm’s future. With this hardy, ecosystem-friendly breed—deeply rooted in tradition and cultural heritage—they could reconnect the farm to its origins while supporting conservation grazing that benefits both the environment and animal well-being.

Erlend and one of his cows with a Monil collar

 

A busy life with room for farm dreams

The Nesland family leads a hectic life. Erlend works full-time as a teacher, while his wife works at a children’s daycare. Despite their demanding work outside the farm, they were determined to start livestock farming.

The old cultural grazing areas in the forest were ready and waiting to be used, but how could they find time for the extensive fence work traditionally required?


Innovation meets tradition: Monil's virtual fence

The answer came in the form of Monil’s virtual fence, a technology that allows the Nesland family to let their animals graze in the forests without the need for setting up physical fences. Rather than spending evenings and weekends installing and maintaining fences or searching for livestock, the family can effortlessly track the animals and adjust virtual boundaries using just their smartphones.

"It gave us extra peace of mind knowing that the Monil team has experience with advanced technology," Erlend shares.

With this trust, they could count on a solution that both protects the animals and supports conservation grazing allowing them to embrace farm life on their own terms.

Cow with a Monil collar and a person greeting

The future for the Telemarksfe and the Nesland family

With Monil's virtual fence, the Nesland family can balance farm work with their busy everyday lives. The technology gives them the freedom to preserve the Telemarksfe in their natural environment while maintaining time for family life.

Monil's virtual fence makes it possible for them to realize the dream of a vibrant farm where tradition and technology go hand in hand – an easier everyday life and a richer future.

 

Thinking about virtual fences?

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Last Updated 4/24/2025