Fencing is an essential feature of every farm. From separating livestock to dividing up the land and increasing security, fencing serves many invaluable purposes in the agriculture industry. But what makes for good farm fencing? Choosing the right type of fencing is essential and will be different depending on what type of farming you are doing. You can choose from stock fencing to electric and barbed wire fencing, both serving very different purposes. Planning the layout of your farm fencing is also important in ensuring that it is effective.
How Does Fencing Help Farmers?
Whether you are familiar with the world of farming or not, you will most likely understand that fencing is a key feature of all farmland. Fencing is particularly important in agricultural farming as it helps to make managing animal herds much easier. There are a number of benefits to fencing farmland, including:
- It makes animal herding easier
- It contains animals in one area
- It helps to drive livestock from one area to another
- It aids with disease control
- It separates breeding stock
What Type Of Fence Do You Need?
There are various types of farm fencing that have different uses depending on the type of farming you do. Most importantly, farm fencing has to be functional, as it can mean the difference between making your farming easy or more difficult.
The 4 Types of Farm Fencing:
Stock Fencing – This type of fencing is used to manage livestock and is commonly made of barbed wire or galvanised wire. It has increased strength and durability to prevent animals from being able to break or eat their way through the fence. This fencing isn’t completely rigid, providing a slight give.
Stake & Galvanised Wire Fencing – Ideal for a range of uses, this fencing uses timber stakes and wire and can be made in a range of heights and configurations depending on its specific use. Barbed wire is a common feature of this fence type for added security.
Post & Rail Fencing – If you are looking for a fence to last a long time, timber post and rail fencing is your best option. It is sturdy and durable with a typical ranch/ farmyard aesthetic. It is commonly configured with vertical posts and three or four horizontal rails.
Electric Fencing – This type of fencing is most useful for livestock farming. It makes managing herds of larger animals such as cattle easier. It also prevents unwanted predatory animals from being able to access your animals.
The Importance of Fencing For Livestock Farming
If you want your livestock to be safe and secure, investing in high quality fencing is essential. Not only will it prevent unwanted animals and intruders from getting into your farm, but it will also prevent your animals from escaping. Livestock farmers will know all too well the high cost of keeping animals. Insufficient farm fencing can cost you more money in insurance fees and repurchasing livestock than investing in the right fencing for your farm. This is particularly important in disease control, as they can spread easily through a herd. Fencing can help you isolate an infected animal and protect the rest of your livestock.
Do I Need an Electric Fence?
Electric fencing can be an effective way of protecting livestock and keeping your land secure. It can also be a more cost-effective way of managing your land. If you keep large animals such as cattle, an electric fence can help you control and herd livestock in their grazing areas more easily. Most importantly, it prevents other animals from getting into the enclosed area. Electric fencing isn’t necessary, however, for crop farming, and a standard fence will suffice.
What to Consider When Planning Your Fencing
To ensure you get the right fencing type and the ideal configuration for your land, planning is essential. Choosing a good agricultural fencing provider will ensure you get the best fencing for your farm installed to a high standard so it lasts for years.
Do You Require Planning Permission?
Planning permission is not required for any farming operations, including erecting or replacing farm fencing. If you wish to make any alterations to farmyard buildings or to build new structures, then you will need to apply for planning permission. You can see the full planning guidelines on the Government website.
How High Should Your Fence Be?
Depending on the type of farming, fence height will vary. Eight feet posts are ideal for a range of farm fencing as they can be driven further into the ground. This will ensure that your posts will stand secure and unable to move whilst still having a substantial height above ground. A standard farm fence should be between 3 and 4 feet above the ground.
How Far Apart Should Your Fence Posts Be?
The most common fence post distance should be 13 feet. This will keep the wire part of the fence secure and prevent it from sagging. It will also enable your fence to follow the contours of the farmland.
Decide on Your Ideal Configuration
Every farm is different and will therefore require a different fencing configuration. It is important you get the layout of your farm boundaries correct in order to optimise farming efficiency.
Don’t Forget To Incorporate a Gate
Gates serve two essential functions on farmland. These are security and accessibility. No matter your farm size, having good quality, durable farm gates are important for keeping your property and livestock safe.
Get Your Farm Fencing Installed By Experts
Choosing the right fence and the right materials will only be beneficial if your fencing is installed correctly. Here at FM Fencing, we supply and install agricultural fencing and farm gates to the highest standard, whatever your specifications. Our fences and gates will ensure the maximum level of security and durability to protect your farmland and livestock. You can get in touch with our team to receive a personalised quote today.
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