The first DIGI-Rangeland National Workshop (NWS1) in Iceland took place on 20. October 2025 at the headquarters of Agricultural University of Iceland in Hvanneyri, Borgarfjörður, Iceland. The event gathered a diverse group of local stakeholders, including livestock farmers, farm workers, advisors, researchers, teachers, agricultural students and technology providers, all the 36 participiants involved directly or indirectly with management of rangeland livestock systems in different parts of Iceland.
This workshop aimed to identify local challenges, needs, and barriers to the adoption of Digital Technologies and Innovations (DTI) in extensive livestock farming. It was designed as an interactive and practical session, combining structured group exercises, presentations, and a live demonstration of digital technologies applied to ruminant monitoring. The discussion focused on the three thematic areas of the project: (i) improving the management of extensive livestock systems and practices, (ii) facilitating the use and sharing of land for grazing, and (iii) promoting quality products and ecosystem services derived from extensive livestock farming.
What needs were expressed?
Targeted herding and gathering, individual animal monitoring with the use of EID and GPS techniques, including virtual fencing, were highly prioritized. Also, the use of DTI for land management monitoring and controlled grazing. The use of QR codes or other digital signs for origin marking or traceability of products from rangeland farming was also amongst the issues that recieved great attention.
What were the main barriers identified for uptake of DTI?
High initial cost and limited durability of devices are common barriers when it comes to implementing technology solutions. Older farmers are more reluctant to implement new technologies. Lack of recruitment could therefore prove to be an obstacle. Transition time is a barrier to implementing technological solutions. It takes time to get enough people to adopt the technology and increase collaboration between different parties to make the technology work as it should. There is a lack of long-term government policy and vision for pasture-based livestock farming.
Overall, the workshop provided a strong foundation for the national network in Iceland. The findings collected during this first event will directly inform the subsequent stages of the DIGI-Rangeland project, including the international workshop in Romania (November 2025).
