David Lucey<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Building and maintaining effective fencing is one of the most important \u2013 and costly \u2013 investments in livestock management. A well-planned fence keeps animals where they belong, protects them from predators, and helps safeguard crops and property. This guide will walk you through the essentials of fencing systems, from choosing materials and construction methods to upkeep and cost-saving tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The right fence depends on what you\u2019re keeping in<\/strong> \u2013 and what you\u2019re keeping out<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fence height, strength, and spacing should be tailored to these factors. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot wire fences deliver a brief shock when touched, teaching livestock to avoid them. Regular mowing under the fence line is necessary to prevent shorting from grass or debris. Training animals to respect hot wire is key \u2013 always start in a secure area so they learn without escaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Woven wire or planked fences are ideal for animals that test fences or for long-term enclosures. They provide a strong physical barrier and require less upkeep once installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Combining hot wire with physical fencing offers the best of both worlds: strength plus behavioral deterrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wire height and number of strands<\/strong> depend on species and predator pressure. Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/em> Goats and sheep with thick fleece may ignore mild shocks \u2013 adjust fencing and power accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended minimum heights for woven or plank fencing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If traditional fencing materials are cost-prohibitive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Posts provide structure and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use drain rock rather than concrete to avoid moisture damage and make replacement easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corner and end braces anchor the fence and allow you to tension it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular checks keep small problems from becoming big repairs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fencing doesn\u2019t have to drain your wallet or your energy. By planning for your specific animals and environment, choosing the right materials, and committing to routine maintenance, you can create a safe, long-lasting system that protects your livestock and your investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping Animals Without Breaking the Bank \u2013 or Your Back David Lucey Building and maintaining effective fencing is one of the most important \u2013 and costly \u2013 investments in livestock […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":25717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_external_link":"","_expiration_date":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25934"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25934"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25934\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27571,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25934\/revisions\/27571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25934"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\n\n\n1. Match Your Fence to Your Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n2. Fencing Materials: Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hot Wire (Electric Fencing)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Woven Wire or Plank Fencing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mixed Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3. Hot Wire Setup Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n4. Physical Fencing Heights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n5. Alternative Materials and Cost-Saving Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n6. Posts and Supports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n7. Bracing Assemblies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n8. Building Your Fence: Step by Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n9. Fence Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n10. Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Resources for More Information:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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