Protecting Your Livestock with Fencing
Keeping your farm animals safe is likely your number one priority, so it’s only natural that you would need some type of containment that keeps them secure. Their well-being is an important factor in your decision-making, so keep in mind the type of livestock you’re managing as you think about the various types of farm fencing that may be required for their containment. For example, small livestock like sheep and goats have an affinity for escaping. They need fencing with a tighter mesh, one that prevents them from squeezing through gaps. Horses require fencing that’s both highly visible and forgiving, like wooden rails with electric tape, to reduce the risk of injury if they run into it.
The key is to match the fence’s strength and design to the animal’s behavior. The right agricultural fence not only safely contains the animal but also keeps out predators and minimizes the need for constant repairs and monitoring.
Fence Materials
Choosing the right fencing materials for the various needs of a farm can be difficult. With so many areas to cover and the many types of farm fencing to choose from, it can become overwhelming to tell one type of fencing from another.
Farm fencing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats and poultry each require different containment strategies, and what works well for one species may not be safe or effective for another. Beyond animals, the terrain, climate and long-term maintenance should all factor into your buying decision. This guide is designed to help you weigh those factors, compare the most common fencing types and ultimately select a solution that’s both practical and cost-effective. Below is an overview of the most popular types of fencing for farm use.
Woven Wire Fencing
Woven wire fencing comes in various heights and opening sizes to suit a variety of containment needs, depending on the size and type of livestock and the number of animals per acre. Woven wire fencing is also suited for keeping pests and predators out of pastures. Galvanized-coated woven wire provides durability against the elements. A single strand of barbed wire is often used as a top strand to keep livestock from leaning on the woven wire fence.
Welded Wire Fencing
Welded wire fencing is made of thick intersecting metal wires that are spot welded at intersection points to provide additional strength. This type of fencing is most often used in animal pens and comes in both rolls and panels.
Electric Fencing
Electric fencing is normally used to contain livestock. It’s often used in combination with other types of fencing to eliminate pressure on the fence. With low-output chargers, electric fencing can also be used for pet containment or keeping animals out of garden areas. Regular electrical outlets or solar energizers that convert and store solar energy are used to power electric fences.
Always make sure the type of electric fencing you install is safe for the animals it’ll contain.
Barbed Wire Fencing
Barbed wire fencing is a proven choice for tough applications. Galvanized coating provides durability and protection against the elements. Make sure your barbed wire fence project remains neat and sturdy with fence stays and ferrules.
Tube Farm Gates
Tube gates, also known as farm gates, corral panels or pasture gates, are the perfect solution for entering, exiting or moving between pastures. Rounded, high-tensile-strength tubing with continuous-welded saddle joints creates strength and durability. Tube gates are also manufactured to meet a variety of needs, from pasture fence setups to construction sites to large-herd containment.
Gate Openers
Gate openers offer the ultimate in convenience. Automatic openers work on various types of gates, including tube, panel and wood. Options include adjustable obstruction sensing, gate sequencing and auto-close settings.
Choosing the Right Fence for Animal Containment
To get the best use out of your fence, match the fence type to the species of animal you need to contain.
Chicken Fencing
Chicken wire fencing, also known as a chicken fence, is a lightweight, durable type of fencing that comes in rolls of wire mesh that can be attached to wooden slats, posts or frames to contain poultry.
Hog Fencing
One of the best choices for a hog wire fence is welded wire. This type of fencing is constructed from thick metal wire that’s welded together at intersection points to offer superior strength and to prevent it from tearing or collapsing if livestock push against it. You can also purchase hog fence panels made of welded wire that come in a variety of dimensions and thicknesses to suit your needs. Sometimes hog fences are electrified with high-tensile wire.
Horse Fencing
When it comes to horse fencing, it’s important to build the structure out of a material that horses can clearly see to prevent them from running into it or escaping. If you have the time and budget, a fence built of wood provides great visibility for horses and is long-lasting. However, if you’re looking for a faster and less expensive solution, there’s also electrified poly tape and poly rope. Each is used to create a highly visible fence for field boundaries that acts as a deterrent by giving a low-voltage electric shock if touched by the horse.
Cattle Fencing
For keeping cattle contained, barbed wire, cattle panels and high-tensile wire are some of the most common options. Adding an electric current to the fence is recommended. The ideal height for cattle fencing is over 54 inches tall. Bulls may require sturdier construction.
Goat Fencing
Woven wire is a preferred option for many who keep goats — as well as other small types of livestock — in small pastures. It’s important to ensure that the material is well secured to the posts, as goats have a tendency to trample or tangle themselves in loose fences. Goat fencing should typically be 4 feet tall or higher in order to keep the goats in and wild animals out. Electrifying the fence is also wise.
Dog Fencing
Keeping your dog safe while playing outdoors is an important part of responsible pet ownership. When it comes to dog fencing, choose a material sturdy enough to prevent your dog from pushing it over or digging under it. You’ll also want a fence tall enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it. A wood, vinyl or composite privacy fence and a chain link fence are good options. For more information, see Explore Your Fencing Options. For do-it-yourself (DIY) instruction, see Install a Chain Link Fence and How to Build a Fence: DIY Wood Privacy Fence Plans.
Learn to build a home for your canine buddy with How to Build a Dog House.
Bird Netting
Certain types of birds, such as pigeons and barn swallows, are prone to building their nest and roosting in inconvenient locations around a farm. An inexpensive and easy-to-install remedy is adding bird netting, which will keep pesky birds out without completely sealing off the area.
Deer Fencing
Deer can be very destructive to backyards and gardens as they’re constantly grazing for food. Deer can also carry ticks, which can spread to people and farm animals. When choosing deer fencing for gardens, it’s important to go with a material that’s strong enough that deer can’t trample it but not overly visible from a distance, like deer netting made of strong plastic mesh or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated metal wire. If the fence is visible to the point that a deer can judge the height, it may try to jump over it instead of avoiding it. For this reason, a chain link fence, for example, wouldn’t be the best choice. Select a mesh with an opening of 2 inches or less for your deer fence to ensure that deer won’t tangle themselves in it by trying to stick their heads through.
The Right Fencing for Your Farm
Choosing the right farm fencing is vital for your animals because it protects them from predators, it prevents them from escaping and it keeps them contained so that they don’t wander into dangerous terrain. Knowing the behaviors and patterns of the animals helps determine the type of fencing needed to keep them safe. Whether you’re building a sturdy cattle fence, a lightweight chicken run or a secure pasture fence for goats, the key is matching the right materials to the job.
Installing farm fencing can be a challenging and physically demanding DIY project; however, with proper planning and execution, as well as the right tools, it is achievable. You can build a fencing system that creates safety, protection and security for your livestock and property.
If DIY isn’t your strong suit or you don’t have the time to devote to it, let us help. Our network of professional installers can handle the job from start to finish for you. You don’t have to lift a finger, except to reach out to us.
Count on Lowe’s for the best prices on all your farm fencing needs for everything from welded wire to posts to hardware. Shop online for all your fencing needs. Not sure how much welded wire you need for your project? Unsure about the placement of your fence posts? How will you maintain your fencing? Stop by your local Lowe’s and a Lowe’s Red Vest associate will answer your questions and help you find everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers have many questions about the types of fencing that are used on farms. We’ve answered a few of these questions here.
Which Type of Fence Wire Should I Choose for Cattle Fences?
High-tensile electric fencing is a good choice for a cattle fence because it controls cattle movement while minimizing the risk of the cattle injuring themselves. Barbed wire is also a good, cost-effective option that’s ideal for larger pastures.
Can I Install Farm Fencing Myself or Should I Hire a Professional?
For installation projects that aren’t large or complex, DIY is a practical, cost-effective option. However, for installations that are labor-intensive, involve larger areas or more complex setups, hiring a professional is the reliable way to go.
How Do I Extend the Life of My Farm Fence?
Regularly inspect the fencing and make repairs as necessary. Look for signs of damage like breaks in wires, sagging or rust. Tighten and secure wires, repair or replace damaged posts. Apply protective stains or coating to wood and metal. Remove any vegetation, plants, debris, etc. along the fence line to prevent further deterioration.
Which Type of Farm Fencing is Easiest to Install?
Budget-friendly T-post fences are easy to install with a sledgehammer, and they’re just as easy to remove, making them a great option for temporary fencing needs. Combine them with welded wire fencing and you have a practical, efficient fencing option.
Is Woven Wire Fencing Suitable for All Livestock?
While woven wire fencing is a versatile fencing material, it’s not suitable for all livestock. It’s not a good choice for horned goats who tend to stick their heads through the fence. Their horns may become stuck, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Woven wire fencing is also a poor choice for horses, as it’s hard for them to see and they could become entangled in it.
How Does High-Tensile Fence Wire Differ from Traditional Barbed Wire?
High-tensile fencing has a higher carbon content, making it more resilient than traditional barbed wire. It’s lighter, stronger and has more elasticity and longevity. It requires fewer posts for installation and can better withstand livestock impacts, making it a highly effective choice for cattle fences and expansive pasture areas.
How Do I Choose the Right Farm Fence Posts?
When choosing farm fence posts, think about things like the material’s durability, the livestock that you’re containing and the environmental factors. If you want something that’s an all-around good choice, consider pressure-treated wood. If you’re a DIYer and you want something that’s easy to install, metal T-posts are your best go-to. Each type of post has its advantage so it’s best to weigh the benefits against one another to see which is the better choice for your needs.