With stock heading out to graze on drier farms, one useful addition is a switch that turns on and off the fencer, operated by mobile phone.

Once set up, the fencer is plugged into the switch and the farmer can phone the switch to turn it on or off. It is especially useful when a farmer is out the field fixing the electric fence or checking for leakages. The fencer can be turned off from the field to allow them to work on the fence.

These switches have been around for a while. Outdoor switches have been most popular where the switch itself is protected in a sealed case from the environment.

They cost around €210 including VAT and are available in most farm outlets. Where the plug or fencer is indoors, a cheaper option can be an indoor switch. They are now costing as low as €64 including VAT, with free delivery from websites such as www.famstuff.eu.

You need to buy a sim card for €10 and most of the fencers have access codes and can be activated by up to five different telephone numbers.

They can also be used for any electric appliance, with some farmers using them for scrapers, water heaters or lights. The switch can be operated by text where you are sent an SMS back confirming the status.

This has a cost and most switches work by just ringing them at no cost.