Fencing is more than just wire and posts. It’s about safety, sustainability, and peace of mind. Keep reading to discover five practical tips every farmer should know to maximize the effectiveness of their agricultural fencing with Straight Shooter Game Fencing.
Choose the Right Material for Your Farm
The term agricultural fencing covers options from classic wooden rail and high-tensile wire to modern electric and mesh systems. Each material has pros and cons:
- Wood post and rail: aesthetic and sturdy, but needs regular upkeep.
- High-tensile wire: long-lasting, strong, low maintenance and ideal balance.
- Electric fences: cost-effective, easy to install, but power-dependent.
- Mesh/woven wire: perfect for smaller livestock or predator control.
Consider your terrain, animal types, maintenance capacity, and budget. And remember, combining materials can often yield the best results!
Plan Your Layout Around Terrain & Livestock Needs
Chances are your farm isn’t perfectly flat, and your fencing shouldn’t be either. When planning:
- Mark out slopes, drainage areas, and rocky or swampy spots.
- Customize post spacing; closer in loose soil or steep inclines.
- For moving livestock like goats or sheep, use tighter mesh or add electric lines at the bottom.
- In predator-prone areas, extend mesh undercut and height.
Grab a map, sketch your land, and plan post placement before ordering materials!
Regular Inspection & Maintenance
Fencing isn’t a “set-and-forget” investment, it needs periodic look‑ups. Schedule seasonal checks for:
- Loose or rusted wires
- Broken posts
- Signs of animal wear or predator access points
- Vegetation crowding your fence line
Prompt repairs (even simple re-tightening or post replacements) extend fence life and reduce upkeep costs in the long run.
Use High‑Quality Hardware & Know How to Install It
The durability of your agricultural fencing heavily depends on hardware. Don’t skimp on:
- Galvanized nails and staples to resist rust
- Fixed‑knot mesh or high‑tensile wire that holds tension
- Gate latches and hinges built for livestock use
- Having the right tools, like wire stretchers, post drivers, and tension gauges, can make installation faster, tighter, and safer.
Create a checklist before hitting the hardware store to save yourself a second trip!
Integrate Predator Control into Agricultural Fencing
A strong farm fence also protects against wildlife threats. To keep predators at bay:
- Bury mesh fence edges underground or lay flat “skirts”
- Add hot-wire or electrified strands along bottom rails
- Use fixed-knot netting. It’s tougher than standard barbed fence
- Maintain a 25‑foot clearing around the fence to prevent animal staging
A few strategic additions can dramatically reduce predator pressure.
Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Experts in Agricultural Fencing
When you want farm fencing done right, Straight Shooter Game Fencing stands out. Our specialty? High‑tensile, fixed‑knot net fencing that’s strong enough to handle livestock impacts and wide-ranging wildlife pressures, even in rough terrain. Here’s what makes us reliable:
- Lifetime workmanship warranty on game, deer, or agricultural fencing
- Nationwide delivery of materials for DIY friendly or full install
- 28+ years of experience taming tough terrain, and we understand farming life
Great agricultural fencing improves animal welfare, farm efficiency, and even property value. The secret? Choose materials wisely, plan for your land, maintain consistently, use quality hardware, and protect against predators. Mix in our expertise, and you’ve got a fencing system that’s built to endure.
Ready to upgrade your farm’s fencing? Contact us at Straight Shooter Game Fencing now to get your free consultation and start planning today!