The 4-1-1 on Fencing

Summer is a great time to improve and upgrade your farm by adding or replacing fences. However, choosing the right fence for your farm’s specific needs can be overwhelming and challenging.  
 
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect fencing solutions for your farming needs.
 

1. Define the purpose.

Before buying any materials or digging any holes, ask yourself these questions: What is the purpose of this fence? What types of livestock are you trying to maintain? How long will they be in this pasture? Should the fencing offer protection as well as boundaries?
Answering these questions should help you begin to create a list of criteria for your fencing needs.
 

2. Consider the type of livestock.

For cattle, you will need sturdy posts and wire that will keep them in without hurting your wallet. Woven wires, barbed wire, and high-tensile fences are best for cattle that are not in tight confinement. However, the working facilities or bull pens should be tighter and more stable.
For small ruminants, focus on protection and containment. Goats and sheep barely slow down at the sight of barbed wire, and it does little for protection. Consider woven wire or electric fencing for these animals.
Horses are the tallest of pasture animals and usually easier to contain. Horses need to be able to see the fence in front of them. High-tensile or board fences work well for horse pastures.
 

3. Ask for help.

Calculating the amount of wire footage, determining the type and number of posts, and choosing steeples or wire ties can be intimidating. Don’t forget that you are not in this alone. Professionals at your local Co-op are there to help you plan and execute the perfect fence for your pasture.