How To Choose Farm Fencing.

Do you want to find out more about how to choose farm fencing? We discuss the various uses of agricultural fencing.

Fencing can be used for many different purposes, for example, agricultural purposes to keep the animals protected and more secure, as a property boundary around your home to control who comes in and out, and many more. They are mainly used in farming to stop animals from getting out, or other people/things getting into their part of the farm. 

Traditional Style Fencing

There are many different types of fencing that are used in the farming industry, which are all suitable for different purposes. It is important to know your exact requirements for the fencing in order to choose the right type for you. Here is a list of the different types of fencing and some further information to help you decide:

Rail Fences

Rail fences are mostly used on farms that have horses. It is fairly cheap but very durable and simple looking. Rail fences come in many different materials, including painted wood, treated wood, wooden boards coated in vinyl and PVC plastic. The rail fences are made up of polymer with strong wires inside. 

Rail Fences

Rail fences are mostly used on farms that have horses. It is fairly cheap but very durable and simple looking. Rail fences come in many different materials, including painted wood, treated wood, wooden boards coated in vinyl and PVC plastic. The rail fences are made up of polymer with strong wires inside. 

Barbed Wire Fence

Barbed wire fences are made out of wire with sharp spikes around it. This acts as a deterrent for people trying to get into across the boundary to dangerous animals or to stop animals swapping into each other's boundaries. The sharp spikes are spread out widely to ensure there is no way of anyone getting in without being harmed.

Woven Wire Fence

Woven wire fences are made using horizontal wires, which are held up by vertical wires. The height of these fences can vary depending on the livestock they are protecting and how high they can jump. This type of fence is extremely durable, even through extreme weather conditions and pressure from the larger livestock. 

Mesh Wire Fence

Mesh wire fencing is more on the expensive side, but it extremely strong and safe to protect your animals. They are popular for horses and are mainly used to cover the feeding areas, and other smaller areas like the crops, due to their expense. An added benefit of mesh wire fencing is that you can keep your eye on your livestock easily. 

High-Tensile Fences

High-tensile fences are very popular in the farming and agricultural industry. They have a long life span, and they are cheaper, easy to build and don't require much maintenance, compared to other types of fencing. They are commonly used alongside electricity to keep predators away from livestock, giving your animals added protection and security. 

Cable Fences

Cable fencing is one of the more expensive types of fencing, which is why it is commonly used to protect smaller areas, including feeding areas, crops and holding pens. This fencing is made up of steel wire cables made up of many twisted pieces of wire bounded together. You can personalise the cable spacing to suit the animal the fence is protecting. 

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing is used as a deterrent for both animals and people. It is there to stop people getting into the animal's boundaries, and to stop the animals getting out. The fencing itself conducts electricity and can give you an electric shock if you get too close. Electric fencing is cheap, has a long life span and is very effective.

Metal Gates

Metal gates are extremely durable, which is great for so many different purposes. It can withstand adverse weather conditions and high pressure and acts as a great boundary around your property and farm. Many farmers use metal gates for different animals to stop them from escaping, as they are much stronger, and don't get damaged easily. 

Which Type of Fencing for Each Animal?

It is important to know which type of fencing works best for which animal. If you need any further assistance, it is important to get in touch with a professional before purchasing the fencing to ensure you aren't wasting any time or money. Here is a list of the main types of fencing for each type of animal. 

Cattle

You can use most of the types of fencing to protect and secure your cattle; however, barbed wire, woven wire and high-tensile fences are the most popular. It is important to have strong fencing that is durable, it is important to be tall to avoid the cattle being able to get over it, and visible so you can keep an eye on them.

Sheep

There are a lot of predators that want to get hold of sheep, which is why it is important that the fencing you use for sheep keeps predators out. For this reason, electric fences are the most suited to sheep. However, barbed wire isn't suitable, as the wool from the sheep ends up getting stuck to the sharp spikes. 

Horses

Horses can jump very high, so it is important to ensure your horses won't be able to get over the fencing. It is also important to be able to see the horses, so visibility is an important feature. Board fences and woven wire fences are beneficial for horses. 

Swine

Swine are well known for rooting to escape fences, which is why their fencing should be low, strong and extremely durable. Barbed wire is the best for swine, as the sharp edges will prevent the swine from trying to escape and prevent them from being able to root. 

Tips on Installing Agricultural Fencing

It is important to ensure that your fence is in a straight line, for the wires and posts to match up as they should.

If you strip out the last couple of vertical wires, then it will be much easier to tie your straining posts.

To give your fencing more resistance, you need to position the struts low.

If you use a straining clamp to tension your fence, then it will be even across the whole fence.

It is important to ensure that your fence is in a straight line, for the wires and posts to match up as they should.

If you require farm fencing in the Bury St Edmunds or Suffolk areas you can contact your local agricultural fencing expert by following the link below.