Fencing
Every farm needs fencing
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EVERY FARM NEEDS FENCING TO meet a wide variety of needs. Fencing is used both to keep livestock in, and to keep unwanted“ visitors” out. It is important to establish exactly what you want your fencing to achieve so that you can choose the right type.
EXPERT ADVICE
This is where a well-established fencing contractor has the edge as they have the knowledge, experience and expertise to advise not only on the correct type of fencing, but also on the installation.
Livestock fencing is used chiefly to keep in or out various animals, mostly sheep, cattle and horses. But these days it is used for a much broad range of animals – including alpaca, emu, water buffalo, deer, ostrich, rhea, all of which are currently being farmed here within the UK.
It is also widely used for equestrian purposes, to contain horses.
PEST CONTROL Fencing is essential to keep out pests including( unwanted) deer, badgers, foxes, roaming dogs – all of which can and do cause many problems in the countryside. Fencing is also extensively used to mark borders and boundaries of land and estates.
With so many different types available, seeking professional advice is the best route to ensure your fences do the job safely, properly and efficiently for many years to come.
The numerous types of livestock fencing include: post & rail, stock wire, plain and
barbed wire, netting, mesh panel, chain link, and, of course, electric.
Post and rail fencing has been in use for livestock and equestrian fencing for years thanks to its ease of installation, pleasing looks and long life.
Galvanised stock fencing is strong, durable, economical and suitable for cattle, pigs, sheep, alpaca, deer, otters, badgers, poultry and a wide range of other stock or wildlife that you may need to keep in – or out- of an area. With a broad range of heights, lengths and wire spacings, there is a wire suitable for every application.
Barbed wire is ideal for use either above or below stock fencing, or alone in 3 or 5 strand cattle fence. It can also be used for security purposes.
Plain Wire is useful in many applications such as to increase the height of a fence, multi-strand wire fencing, electric fencing or straining wire for posts.
Netting is often the choice for small animal enclosures, pest control applications, rabbits, pheasants and chickens.
Chainlink is a cost-effective and, therefore, popular fencing solution thanks to its versatility. Suitable for many different applications, it is easy to roll out and erect to create simple boundary markers or as permanent fencing to increase security, either PVC coated chainlink wire or with a heavy galvanised finish.
Electric fencing and electric netting will provide secure boundaries for many types of animal control including cattle, horses, predator, poultry, sheep, pigs, goats and pets.
PLANNING AHEAD
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THE TYPE OF AGRICULTURAL fence constructed along with the shape of the paddocks greatly effects the total cost per metre of fencing. In addition, the shape of the paddocks affects the amount of materials needed and labour required for construction.
With livestock, straining posts and strain wire will usually be required which you must take into consideration when planning your paddock or field livestock fencing.
Most types of agricultural fences can be used with cattle but sheep would require woven wire fencing and high tensile electrified fencing. Pigs just usually need woven wire type fence.
WHEN PLANNING YOUR STOCK FENCE CONSIDER:
• What type of livestock are to be contained?
• Consider future or multi animal use?
• What are the ground area conditions?
• Consider what you are keeping out?
This will determine size of the posts, post centres, use of barbed wire and number of rows, type of stock netting to be used.
82 Spring 2017 www. farmers-mart. co. uk