Fence in your farm animals the right way
Owning a farm comes with a lot of surprises, but losing any of your property’s value, animals, or product is one surprise that you don’t ever want to deal with. Fences are an affordable and effective way to protect yourself from that, whether you need to contain livestock, draw boundaries, or just get more privacy. It helps to research all the different types of farm fencing, especially if you’re hoping to build a fence yourself.
Let’s run through the many types of farm fencing there are to consider and how to choose what’s best for your property.
Woven wire fences are a lot like they sound: wires are spread along the fence in a grid pattern, with each vertical and horizontal wire knotted together. You can choose a woven wire fence in many different heights and opening sizes depending on what you need it for. For example, if you’re keeping goats contained, you will want smaller openings and tighter mesh because they often try to get their heads through the fence. Livestock that is larger and less likely to push against the fence, like cows, can do fine with a broader opening.
This is the fence you should choose for keeping livestock contained because, on top of its range of sizes, it’s highly durable. You can stretch and fix it easily, which makes it worth the slightly higher cost when compared to a similar welded wire fence.
Like the more expensive woven wire fence, welded wire fencing creates a grid pattern that stretches across the entire length of the fence. Instead of vertical and horizontal wires being knotted together like in a woven wire fence, they’re welded together. While a welded wire fence isn’t as sturdy, it’s a perfect option for any kind of livestock that doesn’t stand or lean against the fence, like chickens. It’s also a good fence to protect your garden and land from deer or other wild animals.
Even though it’s often seen in children’s storybooks and the minds of city dwellers who yearn to change their lifestyle, real farmers rarely ever choose wooden fences for a large amount of acreage. It’s on the expensive end of the spectrum and only lasts for around 20 years if you keep up proper fence maintenance. On the plus side, it’s easy to build your own wood fence, and they’re an excellent option for smaller pastures. Wood fences are also popular for keeping horses, who can get tangled in wire.
T-post fences are a great option if you want to install your fence yourself. A T-post fence is made of gridded wire stretched across a series of metal stakes that you can quickly drive into the ground with a sledgehammer. They usually run from 4-8 feet in height, and they’re easy to move whenever you’re done with them. A T-post fence is great for a small budget, but remember, they’re not as aesthetically pleasing as other types of farm fencing and may not have the durability your farm needs over time.
Barbed wire is often known for the pain it inflicts, and that can be useful when containing gentle livestock, like cattle. They’ll stay away from the fence once they learn it causes pricks to the skin—whereas a more active animal like a horse is in danger of mistakenly getting caught in it and should never be kept within a barbed-wire pasture. It’s also helpful to keep wild animals out. Installing a barbed wire fence costs an average of $3,737, but that depends on the type of barbed wire you’re looking for and how much you’ll need.
Synthetic fencing is made of any synthetic material, be it PVC, composite, or high-tensile polymer. The best part about this option is its ability to last through the ages since it’s resistant to rotting, rusting, splintering, or discoloring through any weather. This type of fencing usually requires a professional installation and is often chosen for horses or exotic animals like alpacas, emus, and llamas.
Electric fences can seem harsh since they inflict an electric shock on any animal (or human) in contact with it. But they are a very effective way to secure your property. Electric fences are made of horizontal, electric-powered wires affixed to insulated vertical stakes. They’re often used for poultry and livestock farms and are best installed by a professional.
The best fence for your farm depends on your personal needs: do you need to keep livestock contained? Are there predatory animals you need to keep out? What kind of cost are you willing to spend on your fence?
If your farm holds livestock, there are different types of farm fencing specific to each animal. Barbed wire, electric fencing, and synthetic fences are standard options for cattle. But one of the most popular pig fences is welded wire, thanks to its durability against tearing or collapsing. Welded wire or wood fencing is also preferred for horses, though there are smoother designs made to be safer for horses to brush against.
There are dozens of different styles of each type of farm fencing, so do your research before choosing the best fence for your property.
If you’re handy and know how to do most basic carpentry and building, chances are you can handle the installation required of a metal T-post or woven wire fence. However, for most fences, it’s best to leave the installation to a local fencing installation and repair company. Always check credentials and past reviews before hiring a fence contractor to make sure you’re confident in their ability to get the job done.
This is especially true if you’ve got a lot of land to cover and need to fence in a large acreage. Remember that many fences require a building permit to install, which you must get squared away before embarking on the project.
Many types of farm fencing can work well for your farm, but it depends on the type of animal you need to contain and the size of your property. If you want something quick and temporary, go with a metal T-post fence. If you need something that will last forever, go with a synthetic fence made of composite material or PVC. Electric and barbed wire fences are often chosen for docile livestock, like pigs and cows.
Barbed wire fences are one of the most inexpensive farm fence options thanks to their simple materials, so if you’re working with a low budget, they’re a good option. Barbed wire fences are suitable for confining docile animals in large spaces since they provide a visual barrier and light injury if pressed against.
