Farm fencing: What you need to know

One of the most costly and time consuming aspects of maintaining a farm is fencing. Livestock need to be kept securely and safely, without being harmed by the fencing itself. For replacing or building new farm fencing, there are many options, and now virtual fencing is being trialled in the US.

Farm fencing: How to choose the right type

Choosing the most appropriate fencing for your farm is dependant on a number of factors. The animal being kept in or out will largely dictate the type of fencing required. Cost factors and the type of terrain will also limit the quality and type of fence that you choose to erect.

• Horses require fencing that is sturdy and safe. Post and rail or other types of wooden fencing are safest when constructed properly, but are the most expensive solution. Plain wire fences combined with an electric strand, and white 'sighter' wire can also be excellent fencing for horses. Never use barbed wire or sheep mesh for horse fencing, as both can cause horrific injuries to these flighty animals.
• Cattle need sturdy fencing, and barbed wire is often used to prevent them leaning on fencing. Sheep mesh may be used, but must be strung tightly. Electric fencing may help, although cattle will often simply push through it.
• Sheep require the least expensive fencing, and sheep mesh (or 'ringlock') strained on star pickets or treated wooden posts will keep them safe
• Jumping animals such as goats or deer require the most elaborate and expensive fencing. Sturdy wire that is at least five or six feet high and strained tight at ground level will be required
• Fencing for other reasons, such as to keep out rabbits or neighbouring animals, needs to be appropriate to the task
• Investigate costs before you begin fencing on your farm. If planning to construct fencing yourself, check the cost of wire, posts, star pickets (allow an extra 50 cms in height to sink the picket into the ground), strainer wire, gates (these can be costly), and any tools you will need such as wire strainers and cutters and a post hole digger or rammer. It may be more cost effective to hire a professional fencer.

What is virtual farm fencing?

A new approach currently being trailed is fitting animals with a collar that is tracked by a GPS system, which gives the animals an unpleasant stimulus when they reach a boundary. A similar system is already available in Australia for dogs.

Fencing your farm: Final information

The type of fencing that will best suit your farm depends on the livestock that you keep, the cost, and the type of terrain that you are fencing. A generic farm fence is usually either a five strand wire fence, or a 'ringlock' or sheep mesh fence with a wire or two on top, strung on star pickets. If you are unsure, check with someone who is experienced in keeping the animals that you want to contain, to avoid a potentially disastrous escape or awful injuries to your animals.