Agricultural fencing is essential for safeguarding livestock, delineating property boundaries, and protecting crops. However, common mistakes during installation can compromise its effectiveness and longevity. By understanding these pitfalls and implementing best practices, you can ensure a durable and functional fence!
Inadequate Corner Posts
Corner posts are the backbone of any fencing system, providing the necessary support to maintain tension and stability. A prevalent mistake is using undersized posts or not embedding them deeply enough into the ground. For optimal stability, the depth of the post in the ground should be equal to or greater than the height of the top wire. For instance, if your fence’s top wire is 4 feet high, the corner post should be buried at least 4 feet deep. Additionally, selecting posts with appropriate diameters—such as 6-inch diameter for barbed wire fences and 8-inch for woven wire fences—ensures adequate support.
Incorrect Post Spacing
Proper post spacing is crucial for fence strength and durability. A common misconception is placing posts too closely, which can lead to unnecessary material costs and potential structural issues. For high-tensile electric fences, spacing posts 80 to 100 feet apart is recommended. If wider spacing leads to wire sagging, consider using stays—shorter posts that sit on top of the ground—to maintain wire height and tension.
Using an Undersized Energizer
The energizer is the heart of an electric fence system, delivering the necessary voltage to deter livestock effectively. An undersized energizer may fail to provide adequate power, compromising the fence’s functionality. A general guideline is to have 1 joule of output per mile of fence, regardless of the number of wire strands. For example, a 6-mile fence would require a minimum of a 6-joule energizer.
Improper Grounding
Effective grounding is vital for the performance of an electric fence. A common mistake is placing ground rods too close together, which can reduce the system’s efficiency. The rule of thumb is to have 3 feet of ground rod per joule of energizer output, with each rod spaced at least 10 feet apart. For instance, a 6-joule energizer would require three 6-foot ground rods, each spaced 10 feet apart.
Neglecting Wildlife Considerations
In areas where wildlife is prevalent, it’s essential to design fences that are both effective for livestock containment and considerate of wildlife movement. Rigid fences can cause injury to animals like deer or elk attempting to cross. Implementing flexible fencing solutions, such as high-tensile wire with appropriate spacing, allows wildlife to pass without causing damage to the fence or harm to the animals.
Overlooking Gate Placement
Strategic gate placement is often an afterthought, leading to inconvenient access points and potential stress on the fence structure. Gates should be installed in easily accessible locations, considering factors like livestock movement, equipment access, and terrain. Additionally, ensuring that gates do not need to carry current can prevent electrical issues; instead, run insulated wires underground to maintain the electrical circuit.
Choosing Inappropriate Materials
Selecting the wrong materials can compromise the fence’s durability and effectiveness. For example, using steel posts in electric fencing can lead to shorts if insulators fail. Opting for non-conductive materials like plastic or composite posts can prevent such issues. Additionally, ensure that all components, such as wires and insulators, are compatible and suitable for your specific agricultural needs.
About Straight Shooter Game Fencing
With over 25 years of experience, Straight Shooter Game Fencing specializes in high-tensile game fence installations across diverse terrains, including swamps, rocky areas, and mountainous regions. As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a lifetime workmanship warranty on all fence installations, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.