AGRICULTURAL FENCING

Agricultural Fencing

Fencing is usually the most expensive expenditure on a farm. There are quiet a number of fencing to choose from:
Perimeter fencing is usually installed around the boundary of your farm (or grazing area) and is the first line of defense against predators. It is intended to last for a long period of time and should be constructed of high quality materials. Suitable perimeter fences for your animals are multi-strand, high-tensile, electric fences and woven wire fences with electric offset wires and barbed wires at the top and bottom of the fence.

Interior fences (or cross fences) are used to subdivide fields into smaller areas (paddocks) for effective grazing management. Interior fences may be constructed from permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary fencing materials.  When it comes to an interior fence, it does not need to deter predators, it may need to be good enough to keep weaned lambs away from their dams and/or rams away from ewes. Temporary fencing can be used to enclosed areas for temporary grazing (e.g. a corn or wheat field).

High-tensile electric fences are the best as they tend to last for a long time. They are relatively easy to install, and cost less than other types of fencing. Whereas cattle can often be controlled with 1 or 2 strands of electric wire, sheep require multiple strands, not just to keep them in, but to keep predators out. Five, six or seven strands of 12 ½ gauge high-tensile wire is common for animal/plant fences. The bottom wires of the fence are more closely spaced than the top wires. Wire spacing of approximately 6, 5, 5, 8 and 10 inches are typical. In areas where there is relatively even rainfall and some green vegetation most of the year, it is recommended that all wires be hot.

Ground return wires. These  are recommended where there is low rainfall, stony and dry soil conditions or where the ground is frequently frozen or snow covered. Switches can be installed so that wires can be turned off if the situation warrants. For example, it is useful to put a switch on the wire closest to the ground, so that it can be turned off if there is too much vegetation on the fence line.

High-tensile fences are made with smooth wire pulled to an initial tension of 250 pounds. They require strong corners and end braces to achieve adequate tension. The wire is held on fence posts with staples. These staples are driven at a slight angle off of vertical so the slash cut points steer the staple into different grains of the wood. The staples are not driven tight against the wire, but instead allow freedom for the wire to move during tensioning, temperature changes, or livestock pressure.

for information on what types of fencing to choose from and their prices, visit our website for more info. www.autogate.co.zawww.autogate.co.za