Agricultural fencing

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Agricultural fencing is used to keep livestock in and crops safe. Fences come in many materials and styles, chosen for the land, the animals, and the climate. Most fences are around 4 feet (about 1.2 meters) high, but laws in some places require different heights.

Fencerows and habitat
Along a fence, a strip of land is often left uncultivated. This fencerow can be a hedge, a windbreak, or a refuge for native plants. When wide enough, it can help wildlife move through the landscape.

A brief history
Early fences used stones or wood. Some fences were built into the ground with earth, like the sunken “ha-ha” wall. In many regions, farmers began to fence animals in as farming and cities grew. In the American West, “open range” conditions gave way to laws that required fencing or other controls to keep cattle off roads and away from neighbors. In the UK, private land fences livestock in, while fences on common land keep other livestock out.

How wire fences work
Most modern fences rely on tension. Wires are stretched between strong posts, with additional posts to keep the wires evenly spaced. Wires are kept tight to prevent sagging, which can cause escapes or injuries. Posts can be wood or steel, and there are many post types, including traditional wooden posts and metal “T-posts.”

Common fencing materials and designs
- Barbed wire: A traditional option, very good for cattle but not ideal for horses or smaller animals because it can cause injuries.
- Smooth wire: Lacks barbs, so it’s gentler on animals. It’s often used with electric fencing or in high-tensile systems.
- High-tensile fencing: A newer, strong kind of wire that can be stretched farther apart between posts. It can be electric and is good for large pastures.
- Woven and mesh wire: Used for smaller animals like sheep and pigs. It comes in “field fence” styles that have smaller openings at the bottom and larger ones at the top to prevent feet from getting stuck.
- Panels and cattle/hog panels: Rigid, prefabricated sections that don’t rely on tension.
- Electric fencing: Lightweight wires or cords that carry a short, sharp shock to discourage contact. It’s common for temporary fencing and to enhance other fences.
- Vinyl-coated and other synthetic fences: Often based on high-tensile wire and can be electric or non-electric. They’re visible and may require careful tightening.
- Wood, cable, and pipe fences: Used where cost is less of a concern or for pens and corrals.

Fences for special animals
- Horses: Usually better with smooth wire or woven wire and sometimes electric fencing. Barbed wire is not recommended.
- Sheep and goats: Typically fenced with woven wire; sometimes additional top or bottom strands are used to keep animals from pushing through or under.
- Deer and other wildlife: Tall, sturdy fences or specialized designs (like deer fences) are needed. Very tall fences or two-layer setups can help keep deer out. Some places also use Fladry lines (cloth or metal strips) to deter predators.

Cattle grids and other features
A cattle grid is a barrier that prevents animals from crossing a road or railway while leaving the opening for vehicles clear. It’s used where land borders need to be protected without a full fence across every boundary.

Maintenance and safety
All fences require regular checking and repair. Animals can push through, break posts, or cause sagging after weather events or accidents. Fences can also trap wildlife or cause injuries. Making fences more visible, lowering the height a bit for wildlife to jump over safely, and using barbless options at the top can reduce injuries. Regular tightening, replacing damaged posts, and keeping electrified wires properly insulated are key to safety and effectiveness.

Wildlife and landscape impact
Fences protect crops and livestock but can also trap or injure wildlife. Making fences more visible, lowering or adjusting height, and using wildlife-friendly designs helps reduce harm. In some areas, specific fencing rules are used to protect local animals and habitats.

In short
Agricultural fencing is a flexible system chosen for the animals kept, the land, and safety needs. From wood and stone to high-tensile and electric options, fences must be sturdy, properly maintained, and suited to local laws and wildlife considerations.