Cattle Fencing Basics
About Cattle Fencing
A good fence keeps your assets – livestock – in place and safe from predators, accidents and theft. Proper fencing also promotes more efficient grazing by keeping cattle in the areas where they are most effective.
There are many options available, Cattle Fencing on operation size and type, physical obstacles, environmental considerations, cost, and desired strength and appearance. The key is a well-planned fencing plan to avoid costly mistakes and maintain optimal fence performance.
The first step is to determine the land that needs to be fenced. It is best to use a professional surveyor to do this. A surveyor can evaluate the terrain, identify any physical barriers, and take into account soil conditions to provide a detailed plan for the fence layout.
Quality Farm Fencing Materials That Boost Security and Longevity
Once the land is surveyed, the next step is to choose a fence type and construction material. Considerations include the amount of pressure the fence will need to withstand, whether the fence will contain grazing animals or a mix of grazing and non-grazing animals, and whether it will be temporary or permanent.
Generally, woven wire fencing with small openings works well to keep animals in and predators out. For calving and grazing areas, adding a strand of barbed wire can further improve security. Some ranchers prefer electric fences, especially for calving and breeding areas, as the cattle will respect the electric shock and are more likely to follow the correct grazing pattern.
A strong fence requires properly installed posts. Generally, the height of the post depends on the terrain, but the rule of thumb is that the top of the fence should be at least 48-54 inches high. Setting the posts at the proper depth is another important factor in fence strength. In medium to heavy clay soils, the post should be set at a depth equal to ten times its diameter. In sandier soils, it is recommended that the post be set at a depth of fifteen times its diameter.…