Circular 774
Fences may be used to protect or divide property, to improve its appearance, to confine animals, or to exclude animals. Whatever its purpose, one should plan a fence carefully. This is especially important on farms where fences represent a large investment and their location and arrangement may affect production efficiency.
Permanent fences &#; those intended to last for many years with minimal repairs &#; should be well constructed and made of good materials. Temporary fences &#; those intended to stay in place only a short time &#; need not be so sturdily constructed and may be made of less expensive materials. Whether you select permanent or temporary fencing, careful consideration of uses and proper maintenance is necessary.
Fencing is a long term investment. Good fences should last from 25 to 50 years. Planning is the key to good fencing. This is true whether fencing an area for the first time or replacing old, worn-out fences. If present fences are in good shape you may want to develop plans around them. But look ahead to the day when these fences, too, may have to be replaced. It is not wise to construct new divider fences if boundary fences are in disrepair and failing.
The easiest way to prepare a sketch of your farm is to start with an aerial photograph. A good aerial photo shows details of the present farm layout, plus some indications of the lay of the land. Aerial photographs have been made of practically all farming areas. You can get one that includes your farm from the Farm Service Agency (formerly Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) or your local tax office. You can also obtain one from any commercial aerial survey firm listed in the classified section of directories in major cities.
A land capability map will look something like this if prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
This step may already be complete if your land is in a Soil Conservation District. Land capability maps, available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service), generally show types of land and spell out use and management plans for the farm (Figure 1).
Figure 2. Land capability layout.Land capability layout.
If an NRCS plan is not available for your farm, use the sketch of your land which you previously obtained. Divide your land into areas that are best suited for: (1) permanent pastures or hay production, (2) woodlands not to be pastured, (3) woodlands that can be pastured and (4) cultivated crop production (Figure 2). These land assignments are made based on uses that will return the greatest possible profit for each type of land.
Consider the following points when developing your plan. If possible, locate fences in terraced fields at terrace's crest and other natural water divides. Avoid running your fences down-slope across terraces. If your field needs to be cross-fenced, try to plan a contour fence parallel to a terraced ridge. If a fence must be located at the outlet end of a terrace, allow for a fence location that will not block the outlet water movement from channels. Pastures located at the end of terraced land provide good grass receiving areas for excess water flow. Wherever possible, plan for straight fences; they are cheaper and easier to build.
Locate permanent lanes to avoid erosion yet allow access to as many fields as possible.
Ideally, a lane should connect livestock buildings and working pens with every field that eventually may be pastured (Figure 3). Keep in mind that a permanent pasture located between other fields can be considered a lane itself.
Locate lanes in the driest areas possible, such as along a terrace or natural ridge; otherwise gullies may develop after repeated use. If a well-drained location is impossible, plan on movable lane fences which can be relocated after a year or two. If lanes are used frequently, it may be desirable to grade the area and install geotech fabric covered with 6 in. of compacted crusher-run gravel in the lane. Specifications for such "heavy use areas" can be found at your local NRCS office. They can be installed for about half the price of concrete.
Wherever possible, locate gates and passageways for livestock and equipment in the corner of each field closest to farm buildings. If you have fields on opposite sides of a road or highway, locate gates opposite each other so livestock can go directly across.
First, a permanent fence around the farm boundary is highly desirable. This will establish a fixed property line between you and your neighbor. It will also help confine your livestock to protect both them and the driving public from possible highway collisions. If a fence around the entire boundary is not affordable, then install the parts which are most helpful in your operations. Other boundary fences can be added at a later date.
Next, permanent pastures which will be used year after year also deserve high priority in fencing plans. Plan to fence ponds, also, to control livestock access. Since these fences are not apt to be moved, plan for well built, low-maintenance construction. If the plan includes a lane that gives livestock access to water, this fence should also have high priority. Livestock may enter and damage a well managed timber stand if there are gaps in surrounding fences. Such fences should have a high priority.
Also consider permanent fencing for cultivated fields used for pasture. If you follow the practice of "hogging" corn or peanuts, or of turning your livestock into a field for "grazing down" after it has been harvested, a permanent fence is highly desirable. With careful study, temporary or movable fences such as electric fences may do the job economically and effectively around cultivated fields. However, movable fences usually don't last more than 3 years and may not be economical replacements for permanent fences.
Temporary fences are intended for use over a period of a few weeks or months. After that they will be removed and used in some other location or stored until needed.
Movable fences cost less to build than permanent fences, but they are not as effective and will not last more than 1 to 3 years the way most of them are built. They do not take the place of permanent fences, but can be very beneficial in some instances.
Movable fences have a definite place in any livestock program. They can be used temporarily in place of permanent fences until you can afford permanent fencing. They can be relocated from year to year until you decide what field layout best fits your needs. They are easily moved to allow pastures to be rotated and are especially desirable for intensive rotational grazing programs. They can also help adjust the size of a temporary pasture to the amount of livestock being grazed.
Now that you have your fencing plan laid out, your next job will be to decide what kind of permanent or movable fence to select. The kinds of fences commonly used on farms include board, barbed wire, woven wire, cable, mesh, high-tensile, electric or a combination of any of these.
The type of fence that you will need depends on the livestock, crops, and other vegetation that border the fence. Horses will run through a fence or get tangled in it causing harm to themselves. Cattle will crawl over fences, sheep try to crawl under. Hogs, of course, try to root their way under a fence. Any livestock will put a fence to its greatest test when there is a lush green crop on the opposite side.
Rail fences are typically used as border fences around farm buildings or the home. They are also popular on horse farms where expensive show animals are confined. Today, many choices are available for building board fences including PVC plastic, vinyl coated wooden boards, treated wood, and painted wood. PVC plastic fences are not as strong as wood and cost more, but they are very attractive and do not require painting since they are the same color all through the material. White PVC boards may require periodic washing with mildew removing agents, especially in the humid South. Numerous heights of board fences are possible, but 4 to 5 ft are most common for livestock. The cost of lumber, nails, paint and other materials along with labor is generally higher for rail fences than for most other fences.
One type of fence that has the appearance of a rail fence, but is actually a wire fence is called a high-tensile polymer fence. The "rails" consist of vinyl plastic 4 to 6 in. wide with two to three high-tensile steel wires encased. It is less expensive than a rail fence, is very strong, and has a nice appearance and good visibility, but the wires must be tightened once or twice per year to maintain the proper tension. (This is true of any high-tensile fence.)
Common spacings of wire in barbed wire fences.
Barbed wire fences are generally classified in two categories: standard barbed wire fences and suspension barbed wire fences.
Standard barbed wire fences (Figure 4) usually have posts spaced 10 to 12 ft apart and use three to five strands of wire.
Figure 5. Typical barbed wire suspension fence.Typical barbed wire suspension fence.
Suspension barbed wire fences (Figure 5) consist of four to six strands of barbed wire. Each strand is stretched taut so there is no more than 3 in. sag between posts. The suspended barbed wires are held apart by twisted wire stays or short pieces of fiberglass posts spaced approximately 10 to 12 ft apart. Line posts are spaced from 50 to 60 ft apart. The suspension barbed wire fence sways back and forth in the wind or when animals hit it. The swaying motion helps keep animals away from the fence and discourages them from fighting through it. For this reason the lower end of the stays must not touch the ground or the effectiveness of the suspension fence will be reduced.
Some common woven wire designs. Standard design numbers describe the wire: 949-12-11, for instance, means the fence has 9 horizontal wires and is 49 in. high; has 12-in. spacing of stay (vertical) wires and 11-gauge stay and intermediate wires. (Top and bottom wires are usually two sizes larger.)
Woven wire fences consist of a number of horizontal lines of smooth wire held apart by vertical wires called stays. Spacing between horizontal line wires may vary from as close as 1.5 in. at the bottom for small animals to 9 in. at the top for large animals. Spacing of the wires generally gets wider as the fence gets higher.
Stay wires are spaced 6 in. apart for small animals and 12 in. for large animals. The height of most woven wire fencing materials ranges from 26 to 48 in. The height needed will depend on the size and jumping ability of the animals. Many combinations of wire sizes and spacing as well as a number of fence heights are available. Standard woven wire fence designs are shown in Figure 6.
These fences usually consist of 3/8-in. smooth, steel wire cables stretched from one anchor post to another (Figure 7). Each cable is normally made out of seven strands of wire twisted together. Heavy springs are placed at one end of each cable to absorb any shock on the wires. The other end is rigidly attached to the next anchor post. Cables are usually passed through holes in wooden posts. If other kinds of line posts are used, cables are attached to them with heavy wires. A fence may have as many cables as desired, however, a six cable fence is common. Spacing between wires depends upon the kind of animal to be confined. Cable wire fences are expensive, thus they are mostly used for confinement areas such as holding pens, feed lots or corrals.
Figure 7. Cable fence &#; one type of installation.Cable fence &#; one type of installation.
a) Detail of diamond-mesh fence; b)Stiff-stay, square-knot fence design.
Mesh wire fences are strong and provide great safety to animals. They are replacing wood board fencing in many areas, but are even more expensive than good woven wire. Because of the cost they are used primarily for confinement fencing such as that around corrals, feed lots, or small crop acreage areas. They also make an excellent large area fence for valuable horses. They have small openings so horses don't tend to get their hooves caught in them, and they have no exposed sharp wire ends to cut an animal. Two types of mesh wire are the diamond mesh (Figure 8a), which uses two wires twisted together in a diamond formation, and the square knot mesh (Figure 8b), which has single horizontal lines with the wire spaced 2 to 4 in. apart.
High-tensile wire fences potentially have longer life and lower costs than conventional fences. Single, smooth wires are held in tension between pressure-treated wood end-post assemblies with a combination of posts and battens or droppers to keep the wires properly spaced between posts. Tension in the wire is maintained by permanent in-line stretchers and tension springs. Best results are achieved when tensioners are used in conjunction with springs. Wires must be attached to any intermediate posts in such a way that they can move laterally and be retensioned. Wires should be retensioned at least once or twice per year. Commonly one to five or more strands of high-tensile wire are used in a fence. It is recommended that one or more of the strands be electrified in order to prevent animals from scratching on the battens and thus moving them out of position. If this happens, it could result in long unsupported lengths of wires, allowing animals to get through the fence.
Figure 9. Typical high-tensile fence brace and wire tensioner location.Typical high-tensile fence brace and wire tensioner location.
If properly designed and constructed, high-tensile smooth wire fencing has many advantages. It is easier to handle, safer for livestock, easily adapted to specific needs, has longer life, requires little maintenance, causes minimum damage to livestock hides, has a neat appearance and gives better livestock restraint and predator control when electrified.
Figure 9 shows a typical five-wire high-tensile fence with in-line wire tensioners.
Electric fences can be built for temporary or permanent use. In addition, a strand of electrified wire added to other types of fence usually improves their effectiveness tremendously. The temporary or movable fence is usually made with one or two strands of smooth wire or a rope or tape with small electric wires woven into it. Tape or rope is more flexible than smooth wire and much easier to handle and move from one location to another. It is also more visible, an important factor when a fence is to be moved periodically to new locations where livestock are not used to seeing it. An electric fence controller is used to energize the wires. The moist earth is used to allow the current to return to the controller. Alternatively, one strand of wire can be grounded, so that the circuit can be completed even when the earth is very dry and thus a poor conductor. Corners and end posts in temporary electric fences require less bracing than permanent fencing. Line posts may be small with wide spacing since the fence will generally be used for a short period of time.
Permanent electric fences may also be built. These fences have from two to eight smooth wires placed on stronger posts. Instead of using the earth for a return path, many electric fences use alternate wires as the hot wire and the grounded return to the charger. This arrangement enables a completed circuit when an animal touches any two adjacent wires and improves the performance of the fence tremendously in drought conditions. Cost of permanent electric fence is much less than that of comparable barbed or woven wire fences. Some of the advantages of electric fencing are low initial cost, low operating cost, and portability. They can be used to protect or extend the use of old permanent fences and they can be used to protect livestock or poultry from many predators.
There are a few disadvantages, however. A home-built unit can be highly dangerous. Only approved fence chargers should be used. Livestock will require training when first using electric fences. The electric fence charger must be operated full time, especially with cattle and sheep. Also, if no return ground wires are used, electric fences may not be effective in dry weather. This is especially true if the controller is not well grounded. Another potential problem is that the charged wire may short-circuit and become ineffective if heavy vegetation is allowed to contact the wires. It is imperative that electric fences be inspected and that vegetation be controlled in order to minimize short circuiting. For this reason, an electric fence may not be a good choice near wooded or swampy areas with heavy vegetative growth.
As previously stated, the type of fence needed depends on livestock, border crops, predators and other factors including cost. Table 1 shows some general comparisons for use when selecting a fence.
Table 1. Comparison of Common Fences. A. Permanent Types Types Comparative1 in. x 6 in. Treated Boards
200 10-20 Medium2 in. x 6 in. Treated Boards
350 10-20 MediumPVC Rails
500-600 20 Low High-Tensile Polymer Coated5-in. rail width
330 33 Medium Barbed-Wire Fencing (One post per 10 ft)5 strands
35 33 High Suspension Fencing (Posts 50 ft apart)5 strands
25 33 Medium Woven Wire Fencing39-in. with 2 strands barbed wire
75 33 Medium Cable Fence5 cable (5')
500 30 Low Mesh Wire12.5 gauge
150 38 Low Permanent Electric3 - (12.5 gauge) and High-Tensile Fences4 strands
20 25 Medium B. Moveable Electric Fences 3 Types Comparative12 gauge
7 33 High Reflective Tape or Rope0.5-in.
11 30+ Medium1 Cost index figures are to show relative cost, not actual costs. For example, fence with an index figure 25 costs about twice as much per foot as a fence with an index figure of 12.
2 Fence life based on combination of post and wire life expectancy.
3 Costs of electric controller not included.
Wire is covered with zinc, commonly called galvanizing, to protect it from rusting. The length of time before wire begins to rust depends on the weather but also on the thickness of the zinc coating. More zinc means more years of service before rusting starts. Fence manufacturers and the American Society for Testing Materials have established "classes" of zinc coatings for fence wire. Class 1 has the lightest coating of zinc and Class 3 has the heaviest (two to three times as much, depending on the wire size). The expected life of a fence depends on many factors, but Class 3 galvanizing can easily add 5 to 10 years of life to fence wire in a humid climate like Georgia's.
Because of competition, many suppliers of fencing materials only stock Class 1 fencing or a limited number of products in Class 3. Commonly, a light gauge Class 3 barbed wire is stocked along with a heavier gauge Class 1 barbed wire since both of these products sell for about the same price. Other products with Class 3 galvanizing may have to be special ordered, but it is usually worth the extra cost and effort, especially in the humid southeastern climate. If consumers demand a higher quality product, dealers will certainly supply that need.
Selecting the appropriate staple is just as important to the overall strength and longevity of the fence as selecting the right wire. Staple pull-out is a common fencing problem when using softwood posts. To avoid this problem, use 1.75-in. or 2-in. long, 8- or 9-gauge, hot-dipped, galvanized staples with cut points and barbs. If using hardwood posts, shorter staples can be used because they cannot be pulled out of hardwood as easily.
Wooden posts are plentiful in Georgia. Some major advantages of wood posts are strength and resistance to bending, misalignment and withdrawal. Permanent fences will require decay resistant fence posts. The most common wooden posts are pine pressure treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate.) These posts have a greenish color, and they last longer and are harder than older treatments such as creosote and Penta (penta-chlorophenol.) This quality of hardness tends to help prevent staples from being pulled out. Some native, untreated trees are still used to a limited extent for fence posts. Table 2 shows the life expectancy of different tree varieties when used as fence posts.
Wood posts from 5.5 to 8.5 ft long and from 2.5 to 8 in. or larger diameter are readily available. The larger the top diameter, the stronger the post. Line posts can be as small as 2.5 in., but larger ones will provide for a stronger, more durable fence. Corner and gate posts should have a top diameter of at least 8 in. Brace posts should be 5 in. or more in diameter.
Be careful when buying wooden posts that the posts are properly treated for contact with the soil. Most treated lumber (including 4-by-4s often used as posts) bought in builder's supply stores is treated at 0.25 lb of CCA per cubic foot of lumber. This level of treatment will not protect against termites. Sawn lumber should be treated at 0.5 to 0.6 lb/ft3 of CCA if it is to be in contact with the earth. Fence posts can be treated at 0.4 lb/ft3. Many people are tempted to use "landscape timbers" for fence posts because they are extremely cheap at times due to over supply. These timbers are a byproduct of the plywood industry. They are what is left after the veneer has been peeled off of a large log. The danger in using these for fence posts is that many times they are not treated for ground contact since they are not designed to support a load and sometimes are not labeled, so it is unclear what, if any, treatment has been applied.
Steel posts have four major advantages. They cost less, weigh less, can be driven into the ground rather easily, and are fireproof. They also help ground the fence against lightning when the soil is moist. Steel posts vary from 5 to 8 ft long. A wide variety of steel posts are available with widely varying prices and quality, so be careful when comparison shopping to make sure you are comparing equal quality posts. Steel posts do not have as much strength against bending as wood posts. Wooden line posts can be placed every 50 to 75 ft to help keep steel posts from bending and improve fence stability.
Various kinds of posts are available for electric fence line posts as the requirements for strength are much less than for nonelectric fences. Posts are available in wood, plastic, steel, and fiberglass. Wood and steel posts require insulators to prevent short-circuiting the fence through the posts. Where available, high-density fiberglass posts (commonly known as sucker rod) make excellent electric fence posts. These posts are byproducts of the oil industry and are not always available. They are usually grey in color, are very strong and durable, and are nonconducting, so insulators are not required.
All posts must be long enough for the fence height and depth of setting. Add together the height of the top wire above the ground, the depth of the post in the ground, and 6 extra inches to get the desired length.
Table 2. Life Expectancy of Wood Fence Posts (in Years). Type of Wood Untreated Treated Ash 3-7 10-15 Aspen 2-3 15-20 Bald Cyprus 7-15 20-25 Balsam Fir 4-6 10-15 Basswood 2-3 15-20 Beech 3-7 15 Birch 2-4 10-20 Black Locust 20-25 Not necessary Box Elder 2-7 15-20 Butternut 2-7 15-20 Catalpa 8-14 20-25 Cedar 15-20 20-25 Cotton Wood 2-6 10-15 Douglas Fir 3-7 15-18 Elm 4 15 Hackberry 3-7 10-17 Hemlock 3-6 10-25 Hickory 5-7 15-20 Honey Locust 3-7 10-20 Larch 3-7 10-20 Maple 2-4 15-20 Oak (red) 5 15 Oak (white) 10 15-20 Osage Orange 20-25 Not necessary Pine 3-7 25-30 Red Cedar 15-20 20-25 Red Mulberry 7-15 15-30 Redwood 10-15 20-30 Sassafras 10-15 20-25 Spruce 3-7 10-20 Sweetbay 2-6 10-20 Sweetgum 3-6 20-30 Sycamore 2-7 20-25 Tamarack 7-10 15-20 Tupello (black) 3-7 15-20 Willow 2-6 15-20 Yellow Poplar 3-7 20-25Most people will agree that touching an electric fence is a very unpleasant experience. The experience for animals is no different. When animals come in contact with an electric fence, the shock they receive affects their nervous systems. The severity of the shock depends on the voltage and amperage, as well as the duration of the shock and the sensitivity of the animal. It takes at least 700 volts to effectively control short-haired breeds of cattle, pigs, and horses and around volts for long-haired cattle, sheep, and goats. The controller, sometimes called the charger or energizer, that delivers this shock is the heart of any electric fence and should be selected carefully.
The thing that makes controllers safe yet effective is the short duration of the charge. The charge is powerful, yet does not last long enough to damage the heart or to cause electrical burns. Modern low-impedance controllers have the capacity to power long distances of multi-wire fences and are not affected as much as earlier controllers by some contact with grass or other vegetation.
Controllers are available in battery powered models as well as 120-volt AC models. When 120-volt power is available, the 120-volt models have the obvious advantage since batteries do not have to be purchased or recharged. Cost of operation is minimal (usually less than $1 per month) for these units. If commercial power is not available near the fence to be energized, battery-powered units are available to fill this need. These units operate on 12, 24, or 36 volts (one, two, or three 12-volt batteries in series). The batteries must be recharged every 2 to 6 weeks depending on the system and amount of use. Solar collectors are also available to recharge the batteries daily. Deep cycle, marine and RV type batteries are best suited for battery-operated controllers. Batteries designed for use in automobiles will not last as long as deep-cycle batteries.
It is important to match the capacity of the controller to the fence you want to charge. Most manufacturers indicate the strength of the unit by the number of miles it will power. A good rule of thumb for sizing controllers is to determine the number of miles of electrified wire in the fence and add 25% to offset any power drain caused by vegetation touching the fence. For example, if you have 4 miles of 5-strand high-tensile wire with three of the strands electrified, you would need a controller rated for at least 15 miles (3 wires x 4 miles = 12 miles + 25% = 15 miles).
Like most construction and maintenance jobs around the farm, fence construction requires proper techniques and common-sense judgment. Every fencing job presents slightly different problems. A few basic principles are good starting points for every fencing job. Here are some to consider.
Where a permanent fence is installed on a property line, make sure of the exact location of property lines. A mistake here can be very costly. Once this is done and any trees and brush are removed, you are ready to establish the fence line.
On level ground, an end post can be installed at each end of the run and a string or a single strand of wire stretched between the two posts to establish the line. On rolling ground where hills are too high to sight from one end-post to the next, surveying equipment can be used if available to establish the location of intermediate points on the line. Alternatively, intermediate sighting stakes can be driven at the tops of hills. Two of these temporary stakes should be driven about 8 to 10 ft apart at the approximate position where the line will cross the crest of the hill. If both posts appear to be lined up when sighted from each end post, they represent a true midpoint of the line. If not, they can be moved back and forth until they are properly aligned.
Figure 10. Fence post spacing around curves.Fence post spacing around curves.
When the fence must go around a curve, place small stakes every 16 ft around the smooth curve. Then start figuring the post hole positions where the curve is greatest. The sharper the curve, the closer the posts should be. Select three stakes at a point of maximum curvature. String a line from the first to the third stake (Figure 10). Measure the distance from the center stake to the string, and space the posts as given in Table 3.
Table 3. Suggested Fence Post Spacing Around Curves. Distance fromFor any wire fence, corner-post and end-post assemblies are probably the most important structures in the entire fence. They are the foundation upon which the fence is built. When wire is first stretched, the pulling force on a corner or end may be lb. Winter cold can cause contraction of wire which increases that force to lb. Both corner and end assemblies must be strong enough to withstand these forces.
Figure 11. Double-span brace post assembly. Post depths shown are considered to be minimum.Double-span brace post assembly. Post depths shown are considered to be minimum.
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Figure 11 shows proper construction of a double span H-brace assembly for wooden anchor posts. A double span assembly is more than twice as strong as a single span; use it whenever the fence span will be more than 200 ft long. A corner post will need a brace assembly for each fence line leading to it. Post depths shown in Figure 11 are minimums. Use deeper settings for sand or wet soil conditions. Figure 12 shows the proper way to secure brace wire.
Figure 12. Correct procedure for threading the nine gauge smooth wire used as diagonal in the brace assembly.Correct procedure for threading the nine gauge smooth wire used as diagonal in the brace assembly.
When a fence is more than 650 ft between corner posts, use braced line post assemblies every 650 ft in the fence line. A braced line assembly is the same as a single span braced corner except that a second diagonal brace wire is used to take fence pull in the opposite direction.
Figure 13. Types of anchor-and-brace assemblies and where to locate them. (a) For fence lengths of 160 ft or less, use single-span end construction. (b) For fence lengths of 200 to 700 ft, use double-span end construction. (c) For fences more than 700 ft long, use a brace-line-post assembly to divide the fence lengths. (d) On rolling land, fence stretching is easier if braced line-post assemblies are located at the foot and top of each hill. (e) Contour fences, more than 350 ft long, should have a braced-line-post assembly installed to keep the stretches to 350 ft or less. Install in straight section at least one post span away from a curve. Don't install on a curve; it won't hold well.Types of anchor-and-brace assemblies and where to locate them. (a) For fence lengths of 160 ft or less, use single-span end construction. (b) For fence lengths of 200 to 700 ft, use double-span end construction. (c) For fences more than 700 ft long, use a brace-line-post assembly to divide the fence lengths. (d) On rolling land, fence stretching is easier if braced line-post assemblies are located at the foot and top of each hill. (e) Contour fences, more than 350 ft long, should have a braced-line-post assembly installed to keep the stretches to 350 ft or less. Install in straight section at least one post span away from a curve. Don't install on a curve; it won't hold well.
Figure 13 illustrates anchor and brace locations for fences. Steel corner post and brace assemblies can be used in place of wood assemblies. The steel posts should be set in concrete anchors. Corner post anchors should be 20 in. square and 3.5 ft deep. Braces are anchored in 20-in.-square blocks that are 2 ft deep.
There are some other brace assemblies that are not as strong as the H-brace, but will work in many cases for short pulls and in favorable soil conditions. One is commonly called a "dead man" brace (Figure 14). The end post should be a large (10&#;12 in.) post at least 4 ft in the ground. The "dead man" is a short (4 ft) piece of post buried just under the surface perpendicular to the end post on the loaded side. This positioning supports the post such that when the post tries to lean, it must push the "dead man" through the soil sideways.
Figure 14. "Dead Man" brace."Dead Man" brace.
Figure 15. Angle brace.Angle brace.
A second type of brace, called an angle brace, is shown in Figure 15. The keys to making this brace work are (1) making sure the end post is deep in the ground (about 4 ft), (2) placing a 1 to 2 square foot rock or piece of concrete under the angle brace post, and (3) properly tensioning the tension wire. It is the tension wire that gives this brace its strength, not the angle post. If the fence starts to sag, it can usually be tightened by retensioning the tension wire.
Steel posts are almost always hand or power driven. Wood posts are frequently driven with power driving equipment. Driving posts is faster than digging holes and tamping posts in. Driving also results in a stronger foundation for the post. Posts should be driven with the small end down. The results may look strange (large end up), but they are much stronger and damage to the post during driving is minimized. Corner posts can be driven as well, but it is sometimes necessary and always advisable to drill a pilot hole about 3 to 4 in. smaller than the post before driving. The pilot hole reduces driving resistance and gives more control over the direction of lean of the post. (End posts should be driven at a slight angle away from the direction of pull so that they will be straight when tensioned.)
When setting posts in holes, center them before tamping. This makes tamping easier and gives the tightest possible soil-pack around the post. Wooden line posts should be set at least 2 ft deep, preferably deeper. In most soils, studded "T" posts need to be driven only until the anchor plate is beneath the surface. For uniform depth, mark the digging tool or steel post to desired depth. A gauge pole, cut to desired length, is handy for spacing posts. Space line posts about 10 to 12 ft apart for most fences. Narrow spacings are better over irregular ground and in contour fences.
Proper stapling techniques.
In general you will want to install and stretch wire in sections, running from one corner and/or brace post assembly to the next. Always work from the bottom up when installing wire. Install the bottom wire first, then the next highest, etc. Attach wire to the side of the post nearest livestock except where appearance is important. Use galvanized staples or the wire clips that come with steel posts to attach wire to posts. Staples should never be smaller than 1.5 in. long, preferably 1.75 or 2 in. Do not staple the vertical or stay wires of woven wire. Drive staples so the wire is held close to the post but not tight (Figure 16a). The wire should be able to move through the staple to allow expansion and contraction of the wire. Good brace assemblies should keep the wire tight. Driving staples parallel with the grain should be avoided since that will weaken the grip of the wood on the staple. Slash cut staples should be rotated in a certain direction depending on whether the staples are right or left cut (see Figure 16b). Place the staples parallel to the grain and then rotate slightly away from the flat faces of the staple points. This will result in the desired direction of staple penetration (Figure 16c) and a staple that has 40% more resistance to withdrawal than staples rotated the wrong way.
One of the best ways of assuring good performance of a fence controller is to provide a good grounding system. The controller grounding system should be separate (at least 30 ft away) from any other driven grounds. Failure to do this could cause stray voltage problems on the farm electrical system. The grounding system should consist of at least 24 ft (usually three 8-ft driven rods spaced 6 ft apart) of ground rod. In addition, a driven ground rod should be placed every ft ( ft in arid climates) of fence and attached to the grounded wires in the fence. Proper grounding will make the job of the charger easier and thus improve its performance. Lightning arresters are available and help protect the controller if the lightning strike is not too close, but will probably not prevent damage by a direct hit. Making the top wire on the fence a grounded wire sometimes helps protect the controller by shunting lightning to the ground instead of through the controller.
You can buy or build gates or cattle guards. Both should be sturdily built and adequately supported. One of the most common (and aggravating) mistakes made when building fences is inadequate bracing of gates which results in gates dragging on the ground. Several plans for gates, man passages and cattle guards are available through your local county extension office.
A fence that is properly cared for will give long and trouble-free service. Include some of the following suggestions in your regular maintenance program:
Planning Fences, American Association of Vocational Instructional Materials, .
Planning & Building Fences on the Farm, University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service PB , .
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Whether you own a few cows or thousands, quality fencing is essential for efficient cattle production and for protecting the investment of your forage and herd. There are certain factors that are extremely important for livestock owners to be aware of when determining the best value in a fence for cattle management. Cost, performance, maintenance, and longevity are the most common factors when discussing fencing options with our clients. Let&#;s begin by reviewing the three basic fence types used for cattle in the southern United States where about 59% of the US beef cows are located: traditional barbed wire, woven wire, and high-tensile, fixed-knot wire.
Interested in downloading and taking this article with you? Click to download the printable PDF version.Four to six strands of barbed wire are used to hold cattle for both perimeters and cross fencing. This fence type has been around for more than 150 years, with the first patent in the United States for barbed wire issued in . At Tejas, we acknowledge and respect the role that barbed wire has played in ranch development across America over the years. Even today, it remains the default fence choice for livestock owners because materials have been the most common and it does the job. However, as with most things, improvements in technology are made over time, and cattle fence is no exception. Read on to see how this segment has developed and what is now an easy &#;best value&#; decision for ranch managers.
Cost &#; While perceived to be the low-cost leader, barbed wire is not the lowest cost. With T-posts 10 to 12 feet apart and stays or stiffeners required as well, barbed wire fencing jobs require a lot of material! More material means more initial cost and more cost to maintain!
Performance &#; The sharp barbs, which are notoriously difficult to see, can injure people and animals, particularly horses.
Another serious consideration is the fact that feral hogs are highly destructive and prolific pests that eat nearly anything, including many species of native wildlife. They also compete with native wildlife by eating acorns, a major fall food source for deer, turkey, and black bears. Their rooting and wallowing behavior destroys landscapes and pollutes ponds, streams, and other waters.
Barbed wire is not a good choice for any animal except large livestock. Wild hogs and other damaging predators can easily pass through a traditional 5-strand barbed wire fence. This is a big shortcoming of this fence, as the feral hog populations continue to increase and cause more property damage, including damage to cattle forage. Nevertheless, landowners have attempted to enhance this barrier for years by using 6-strand fencing on 6-foot T-posts. Initially, these added measures may be somewhat successful in their ability to deter wild hogs and other animals, but because these fences are made from a weak, low-tensile wire, these measures fail over time.
If you plan to sell in the future, it is smart to think about versatility. While barbed wire is sufficient for cattle, horse enthusiasts, who fear their animals will become entangled and injured, frown on barbed wire. If resale is an issue, careful consideration should be given to the type of fencing installed.
Maintenance &#; The biggest drawback for barbed wire fences is maintenance, which increases costs down the road. Just take a drive through rural America, and before long, you will discover a barbed wire fence in need of repair. Wear and tear caused by wild hogs, deer, coyotes, and livestock can open breaches and cause the fence to fail over time.
Longevity &#; With adequate maintenance, the standard barbed wire fence with Class 1 galvanization in average use and climate conditions should perform to reasonable expectations for 15 years.
Over the past few decades in some regions of the country, the go-to ranch fence evolved from barbed wire to &#;field fencing&#; made of hinged-joint mesh. With more wire per square foot, the field fence has smaller openings, which are more difficult for unwanted visitors to breach. Horses, sheep, and other animals also are less likely to become entangled in field fencing, making it a more versatile choice for ranchers who raise other livestock in addition to cattle. However, there are some drawbacks to the hinged-joint fence.
Cost &#; While materials and labor to construct a hinged-joint field fence are about the same as barbed wire or high-tensile wire mesh, as depicted in the chart below, the shorter lifespan of the system makes it a relatively expensive fence to own.
Performance &#; Like barbed wire, field fencing can become dilapidated and damaged without regular maintenance. Field fencing has two main flaws: it can lose shape rather quickly, and its weaker wire is subject to breakage caused by rust, weathering, and pressure. Feral hogs can easily wallow holes in the mesh of common field fence material because the hinged joints are relatively weak, as are wires made of low-carbon steel. These inherent weaknesses in the material and construction significantly detract from the usefulness of this type of fencing. Poor performance over the long term offsets initial cost savings.
Maintenance &#; Hinged joints slip and don&#;t return to their original shape when livestock, feral hogs, and predators press against the fence. This weakness creates an opportunity for wildlife to work minor holes into large openings. Furthermore, the metal used on these older fences is soft, inadequately galvanized, and prone to rust, which reduces the life of the fence and leads to failure over time. Ultimately, while better than barbed wire in some respects, field fences still require long-term maintenance.
Longevity &#; With adequate maintenance, the standard hinged joint field fence wire fence with Class 1 galvanization in average use and climate conditions should perform to reasonable expectations for 10 years.
The next-generation cattle fence solution for ranchers and property owners has been in use for more than 10 years and has proven to be the best value winner! High-tensile, fixed-knot cattle fences are excellent for livestock control and outperform traditional barbed wire and hinged-joint fences in every application with superior durability, flexibility, and safety. Even more important, high-tensile, fixed-knot fences last longer than other types of fencing, which saves landowners time and money on maintenance, repairs, and replacement making it the least-cost, best-value fence to own.
Let&#;s dive a little deeper and discuss high-tensile, fixed-knot costs, performance, materials, benefits, specifications, and additional options:
The selection of the best fence for cattle on a ranch often comes down to a value equation. High-tensile, fixed-knot Class 3 fences provide significant value. Over the long term, these superior fencing materials cost significantly less to install and maintain than Class 1 barbed wire fences or hinged-joint field fences. The initial cost to install fixed-knot fencing is virtually the same as barbed wire because of the 20-foot post spacing, which requires fewer intermediate posts and no fence stays or stiffeners. Also, this fence material comes in rolls of 330 or 660 feet, which facilitates installing long runs versus installing wires individually. After installation, the fixed-knot fence requires little to no maintenance, which translates into significant savings of time and money. With a service life of two to three times that of typical low-carbon barbed wire and hinged-joint fencing, a high-tensile, fixed-knot fence is a no-brainer!
**UPDATE &#; based on market changes in supply and materials available due to COVID, fence material prices have changed. Please call Tejas for the latest prices.
Cattle Fence Cost $ per L.F. Braces & Gates Net Cost Per Mile Useful Service Life Annual Cost Per Mile Barbed Wire, 5-strand $4.74 $13,415.00 $31,734.70 15 $2,115.65 Field Fence, Low Tensile $5.46 $12,578.00 $35,117.80 10 $3,511.78 Fixed-Knot, High Tensile 949-6 $5.42 $12,578.00 $34,906.60 30 $1,163.55Chart Conclusion: High-tensile, fixed-knot fence is 100% less expensive to own over time than barbed wire and 200% less than field fencing.
Chart Notes: Service life is based on Class 3 galvanization, which is three times thicker than Class 1 galvanization applied to typical barbed wire. The greater galvanization gives the fencing a much longer useful service life in typical applications.
2-mile basis of comparison using Tejas standards of spacing, galvanized pipe and t-posts.
Interested in downloading and taking this article with you? Click to download the printable PDF version.Performance &#; High-tensile, fixed-knot fence is much better over time. The fence is better for keeping animals in and keeping feral hogs and predators out, making it an easy choice when deciding on a new cattle fence.
Maintenance &#; Based on the high-tensile wire, fixed-knot construction and Class 3 galvanization, this fence requires minimal maintenance. The combination of high tensile and the strength of the fixed knot make this fence virtually impervious to damage by wild or domestic animals. With proper installation, good maintenance consists of keeping vegetation from growing on the fence where it is not desirable and checking periodically for damage from falling trees. That&#;s it.
Longevity &#; With a wide range of height and mesh pattern options, fixed-knot mesh fencing is versatile and can be easily customized to fit the individual needs of the rancher. With the benefits of higher performance and excellent longevity, the net cost per year to install this fence makes it the best value to own.
High-tensile, woven-wire steel mesh with a &#;fixed knot&#; design is the foundation for the best fencing for cattle.
If you don&#;t want to worry about maintenance, this steel mesh, fixed-knot fencing is the best place to start. High-tensile, woven-wire steel mesh with a &#;fixed knot&#; is the material of choice for holding cattle, preferred over five-strand barbed wire and hinged-joint fencing for its strength and safety, and most importantly, for its resistance to breach.
The high-tensile, fixed-knot fence is the next-generation form of the old field fence and consists of a series of interconnected vertical and horizontal wires that form squares and rectangles of overlapping and knotted wires. It differs from field fencing in its strength, longevity, performance, and available patterns.
A fixed-knot design combined with high-tensile wire makes this the strongest woven-wire fence available. It is highly resistant to animal damage. In fact, the breaking strength of each individual 12-gauge horizontal wire is around 1,380 lbs.
Crimps manufactured in the horizontal wires are installed with significant tension, so they resist force in a spring-like fashion. Fixed knots do not move or loosen under pressure from animals. Wild hogs can&#;t &#;wallow&#; a hole in the fence fabric like they can in traditional low-tensile field fence wire. Additionally, the steel mesh spacing enables the fence to withstand animal stresses without losing shape or strength.
Class 3 galvanized, high-tensile fixed-knot fences require very little maintenance, so landowners spend less time worrying about the integrity and durability of the fence. And in coastal and other environments where salty sea breezes can increase corrosion, these fence meshes are available with a Class 40 Zinc-Aluminum coating. This zinc-aluminum coating provides the highest degree of protection available for high-tensile steel mesh.
When selecting high-tensile, fixed-knot wire mesh for cattle fences, the four factors that make a performance difference are:
Fixed-knot wire comes in many varieties of heights and wire spacing (see fixed-knot fence patterns). For containing cattle, a standard 4- to 4.5-foot height is sufficient. The main choice to consider is the amount of spacing between the wires, both vertically and horizontally. For best results, high-tensile, fixed-knot fence mesh with a spacing of 6 inches or less in the vertical stay wires is recommended. The mesh spacing of 6 inches is sturdier and less susceptible to livestock damage, which makes it a longer lasting choice for a surprisingly small premium in price. Commercial hunting or breeding operations typically use this kind of high-grade, high-tensile, woven-wire steel mesh, but in an 8-foot tall version.
The best cattle fence material has 9 horizontal wires and stands 49 inches tall with a vertical spacing of 6 inches. For high-traffic areas such as corals, turnouts, or birthing pens, 3-inch vertical spacing provides for greater strength and security. The more tightly spaced fencing also is more durable and resistant to pressure in high-traffic areas.
Proper design and installation of ranch gates and water gaps are critical to the performance of any fence system. Many factors must be considered to ensure the proper installation of gates and water gaps, as these are the two most important links in the chain of security provided by the fence system. Gates and water gaps are also the most technical aspects and require planning, design, and execution in a way that provides maximum functionality, performance, value, and ease of use by the property owner.
For gate construction, it is important to consider soil type, anchoring system, and stabilization to ensure long-term performance, swing direction, ground elevations, latch system, automation options, ground clearance, maximum open space to match containment or protection criteria, materials, durability, aesthetics, and budget.
For water gaps, considerations include watershed analysis, flow rates, debris potential, length and height, maximum flow depth, historical flow data, protection and containment criteria, accessibility, protection criteria, durability, ease of maintenance, ability to conform to changes in the creek or watershed bottom over time, proper fitment, support structure integrity and longevity, and budget.
The functionality of these components of a cattle fence is vital to the long-term performance of the fence, which keeps operating costs low over time and reduces the net cost of the investment. A &#;Done Right the First Time&#; philosophy typically costs a little more up front but saves countless dollars and headaches in the future. Quality construction and materials take concerns about fencing out of the equation, freeing more time for forage development and cattle production.
The folks at Tejas Ranch & Game Fence use proven methods acquired through years of experience in the business to ensure a good fit and a long-lasting solution with the pride and workmanship that guarantee top performance in the ranch fence world.
All types of materials, from railroad ties and rock piles to cedar posts and trees, can be used for bracing or fence support. But ad-hoc bracing doesn&#;t necessarily make a sturdy fence. A good rule of thumb to remember in choosing materials and quality installation for your next cattle fence is that the structural support system sets the foundation for a reliable herd management tool for many decades to come.
Fence Brace Material
The most reliable fence bracing material for farms and ranches is made from galvanized pipe, which provides strength, longevity thanks to a corrosion protective layer, and affordability with an almost maintenance-free, 25-year-plus service life. This post material is used to build H-brace corners, pull posts, and line posts that are the true structure of the fence system. These posts enable high-tensile, fixed-knot wire mesh fencing to maintain its integrity as a reliable barrier.
Structural Brace Construction
A fundamental bracing method with structural anchors at each terminal and turn point has been around for decades, but in recent years, quality ranch fence contractors have perfected the method. On a typical H-brace or corner brace, a 3-inch galvanized post is driven into the ground anywhere from 5 to 7 feet depending on the soil type and density. It is important to drive the tension-bearing post down to gain ultimate resistance to the soil. Soil types and compaction rates vary, and corresponding construction methods must, as well. With their years of experience and engineering expertise, the professionals at Tejas are adept at setting these critical anchor points to perform for the life of the fence, guaranteed.
Once the posts are set, horizontal cross members made of galvanized pipe are welded between the vertical posts, and a diagonal kicker brace is attached to the structure and attached to a deadman for maximum strength of the bracing structure. Pipe welding should be a complete 360 degrees and, when done right, fully penetrate the base metals to create the rigidity to support the 2,000- to 3,000-pound tension of the high-tensile, fixed-knot wire fence without moving.
This construction practice provides a heavy-duty anchoring point for all the tension that will be applied to your cattle fence over the years.
Fence Fabric Support Posts
With a fixed-knot wire mesh fence, we recommend T-post spacing on 20-foot centers. This distance can be slightly more or less depending on a number of variables, including topography, animal traffic, and soil types. The rigidity and vertical stays of a fixed-knot fence allow it to perform extremely well with nominal 20-foot post spacings. The savings realized by 20-foot intervals offset the increased cost of the high-tensile wire and result in a much stronger and longer-lasting product. In high-pressure areas or with cattle that put more pressure on a fence, T-posts and line posts can be spaced on tighter intervals.
Additional fence wire support is added through the use of vertical line posts, which are driven into the ground along the fence line at 100- to 120-foot intervals and take the place of T-posts at those locations. The primary purpose of these line posts is to give the fence fabric good lateral stability on long runs between the primary bracing structures.
Interested in downloading and taking this article with you? Click to download the printable PDF version.Predator-Control Barriers
Predator-control barriers can be added to customized fence solutions for almost any environment or need. Predator-control options consist of a steel mesh apron fence at the base of the fixed-knot fence to eliminate digging, tunneling, and wallowing; or electric wire barriers at the base and/or center and top of the fence.
Electric fences
Electrifying an outrigger wire on a high-tensile wire mesh fence adds a belt-and-suspenders approach to exclude feral hogs and deter coyotes. When applied on the inside, the electric wire can work to keep cattle from applying undue pressure on a fence.
An electric fence wire outside of the fence at approximately 6 inches above the ground can prevent dogs and coyotes from digging under a fence and has been shown to considerably reduce breaches.
Choosing the right ranch fence contractor to build the best fence for cattle
The highly skilled team of fencing innovators, designers, and construction professionals at Tejas are dedicated to excellence in every job. They work closely with clients to determine the best design and construction for their unique needs and use only the highest quality fencing materials. Their installation teams are meticulous and accomplished experts in every way. By focusing on careful consultation and design, top-quality materials, and uncompromising installation, Tejas strives to exceed clients&#; high expectations to create sustainable value in all solutions. Choose Tejas for the best fence for cattle on your property.
For more information, please visit Field Fence For Sale .