When it comes to choosing which type of fence you should install on your farm, there are a number of different options to choose from, and each has its strengths and weakness according to each specific task you might require it to undertake. Obviously, of key importance to many farmers is the important role fencing might play in keeping your livestock safe and contained in one area, whilst also effectively keeping any other unwanted animals or visitors off your farm property and away from your livestock. If you are considering installing a fence on your farm, but are not sure which type to choose, here we explore the use of 4 different types of fencing that are typically installed in farm environments.
Wire fences
One of the most popular types of fencing that is used on farms all around the world is wire fences. Wire fences are extremely strong and durable, come in hundreds of different permutations for specialist uses and are generally pretty quick and easy to install. Wire fences and great for keeping livestock contained in one area (or pests out) and tend to be a very popular choice with farmers all over the world. When it comes to wire fencing, there are a number of main types that you can choose from – for example, barbed wire, line wire and
welded mesh or netting. If you want to keep unwanted animals, such as dogs or foxes, off your farm and away from your livestock, then having a barbed wire fence may be a good option for you. Whereas if you are simply looking to keep small livestock in one confined area, then some form of welded netting will prove to be a great option.
Typical of a specialist use is the ubiquitous hexagonal chicken wire. This type of wire is much finer gauge than line or barbed wire or welded mesh, so may not be a great option if you are looking for strength to keep large livestock contained in one area. However, the small holes of the mesh can be perfect for keeping small livestock such as chickens safe from predators whilst also preventing escape. There are lots of other types of specialist wires netting that deal with rabbits, pheasant, deer etc.
Field fences
A field fence is another name for wire farm fencing that is commonly used no matter what size and scale of the field. These fences use a heavier gauge wire netting, this netting comes in numerous mesh patterns, which mean that both strength and durability can be tailored to the specific needs of particular project. Field fences are less prone to getting damaged and rarely need fixing or replacing, meaning once you have installed this fence on your farm you won’t have to worry too much about repairing or replacing it, as long as you stick to some relatively regular routine maintenance checks.
Electric fences
Another popular type of fence that many farmers install on their properties is electric fence. Just as its name suggests, electric fencing is fencing that has an electric current running through it. Electric fences are harder and more expensive to install on your farm than the likes of barbed wire or welded wire fences, but they are more effective at keeping any unwanted animals or visitors off your farm as well as being highly effective when it comes to keeping larger livestock such as pigs, cows and horses in one place without them leaning on and potentially damaging the main fence structure. When it comes to installing an electric fence on your farm there are a number of different things that you will need. These will include posts, an electric fence energiser and electric wire or tape. Electric fences are not dangerous and will not cause any harm to your livestock, but if you brush up against one it will give you a small shock. There are also various health and safety regulations in place with their use and it is important that before installation you check on what these are and follow any appropriate guidelines.
Post and rail fencing
One of the most common types of fencing used on farms is post and rail fencing. This type of fencing consists of solid wooden posts and rails that are joined together in order to create a length of fence. Post and rail fences consist of horizontal wooden rails that are fastened to vertical wooden (or in some cases concrete) posts. In order for the horizontal wooden rails to stay in place and for your fence to stay standing upright, you must make sure that the vertical wooden posts are installed in the ground correctly. If the wooden posts are installed incorrectly, they will be weak and may fall over easily. Not only does wooden post and rail fencing do an effective job on many farms but it is also traditional, natural looking and aesthetically pleasing. More so than certain other types of fencing.
As you can see, there are a number of different types of fences available for farmers to choose from and this is just a selection of some of the main types. But before you decide on what type of fence that you are going to go for, you should consider the size and scale of your farm, as well as the number and density of livestock that you have, in order to make sure that you are picking the right type of fence for your farm. If in doubt always check with an expert specialist fencing supplier.
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