Tag:

fence basics

Can Raccoons Climb Wire Fences?

by Judy Knowler May 16, 2023

Raccoons are among the least endangered animal species globally. According to data, there are about 5 to 10 million raccoons in North America, with the number rising.

Therefore, it is common to have a raccoon encounter within your property. These animals are known to be excellent climbers that may require property owners to reconsider their fencing and find ways to humanely prevent their access to the property.

Here’s what you need to know about raccoons, what makes them excellent climbers, and how to keep them at bay.

May 16, 2023

Fence Planning Tips & Tricks

How Often Do You Need to Replace Fence Posts?

by Judy Knowler April 17, 2023

Fences are built to last. Typically, a well-installed and maintained metal fence can last almost fifty years. Wooden fences, which are more susceptible to various elements such as weather, can still last an average of 15 years, most getting up to the 20-year mark.

However, various factors such as age, rust, or rot can lead your fence, especially the fence posts, to need replacement.

Fence posts are a key structural element of fences. Therefore, when you observe breakage, rot, or any other defect on your fence post, you should be ready to repair or replace it.

Here’s what you need to know about fence posts repair and replacement and how to know if it’s time to have your fence checked.

April 17, 2023

Fence Planning Tips & Tricks

Fence Liability: Escaped Animals

by Judy Knowler April 12, 2023

Fencing does more than just partition the farm. Good fencing is attributed to fewer livestock-vehicle accidents, which can be rampant on public roads crossing farmlands.

Most states implement laws that dictate fencing and the extent of the farmer’s liability in case their livestock gets loose and causes injury or property damage.

Generally, the farm owner is liable for all injuries and damages caused by their loose livestock unless they can prove that the fence was in good condition and there was no negligence on their part. In most states, it’s a statutory obligation for farmers to ensure their animals don’t escape their premises.

Here’s what you need to know about fence liability for escaped animals and the defense you can raise against a claim.

April 12, 2023

Fence Products

12.5 Gauge Barbed Wire vs. 14 Gauge Barbed Wire: Features & Benefits of Each

by Judy Knowler February 2, 2023

Barbed wire is a simple and cost-effective livestock fencing solution. But what many farmers may not realize is that not all barbed wire is equal. A quick trip to the farm store will reveal a number of different options, ranging from different metals to different gauges of barbed wire.

For some, these options pose more questions–leaving farmers unsure of which wire to choose.

When it comes to barbed wire–here’s what you need to know: the key differences are in the gauge or size of the wire and the carbon content in the composition of the steel.

Let’s take a closer look at how 12.5-gauge low carbon barbed wire measures up to 14-gauge high tensile barbed wire.

February 2, 2023

Tips & Tricks

How to Mend a Barbed Wire Fence

by Judy Knowler November 21, 2022

Barbed wire is the iconic staple of farms and ranches across the US. While there are more fencing options available today, barbed wire is still common–especially for perimeter fencing and cattle ranching. If you work with livestock, you’ll likely encounter barbed wire from time to time.

Barbed wire fences require maintenance like any other fencing material. Splicing wire to mend a fence is almost always a better option than replacing an entire fence line. Let’s take a look at two methods you can use to mend a barbed wire fence.

November 21, 2022

Tips & Tricks

Electric Fence Safety Tips

by Judy Knowler November 7, 2022

Electrical injuries–and sometimes even death–are more common than you might think. An average of 30,000 electric shock injuries are reported in the US every year. While most of these injuries occur on the job when working with electricity, there is always a risk when electricity is involved.

Electric shock injuries do occur on the farm, especially around electric fencing equipment. These accidental injuries are also preventable. Let’s take a look at what to watch for and how to stay safe with electric fences.

November 7, 2022

Fence Products

Best Fencing to Protect Sheep from Predators

by Judy Knowler September 21, 2022

When it comes to smaller livestock, a flock of sheep is a great choice for beginners, hobby farmers, and additional income streams for existing farms. Sheep are raised for meat, milk, and wool. And, as an added bonus, do a great job with vegetation control. Many farmers with acreage to manage choose sheep over the similarly sized but often more difficult to manage goats.

While a flock of sheep might do a great job of grazing acreage, they’re not aggressive or predatory. In fact, they’re unlikely to defend themselves at all. This leaves farmers with the task of ensuring their flocks’ protection against natural predators like coyotes, wolves, and bears. Given the number and variety of natural predators, you’ll need a durable fencing material like woven wire field fence to protect your sheep. Here, we’ll discuss the best options for fencing to protect sheep from predators.

September 21, 2022

Tips & Tricks

How Long Does Wire Fence Installation Take?

by Judy Knowler September 7, 2022

Wire fence is a common staple across the agricultural landscape. Wire provides a durable, cost-effective fencing option to keep farm animals in or out, depending on the application. Wire fencing can be found along pasture perimeters to keep livestock safe. It can be placed around the garden to keep free-range animals out of the food. Wire fences come in many different sizes, making them a great choice for yards, kennels, livestock, and more.

Installing a woven wire fence requires some hands-on manual labor. With the right help, most fences can be erected in a couple of days. Of course, when budgeting time, there are many factors to consider. For starters, the size and type of the enclosure will give you a good idea of how much time you’ll need to commit to the project. Other factors like terrain, weather, complexity, location, and available tools will also play a role in the time commitment required to get the job done.

Let’s take a look at what you should consider before jumping into a fencing project.

September 7, 2022

Tips & Tricks

How to Remove Fence Knots

by Judy Knowler August 25, 2022

A woven wire fence is a favorite around many farms for its strength and durability. You’ll find it around gardens, pools, and pastures of all sizes. Woven wire is typically sold in mesh rolls, giving farmers some flexibility in how far apart to space fence posts as well as how large (or small) to make an enclosure. In order to work with woven wire fencing, you’ll need to know how to remove fence knots. These are the intersections of vertical and horizontal wires that are affixed using a monarch knot or square deal knot. Here, we’ll briefly explain both methods so that you can get the flexibility that you need to work with this fencing.

August 25, 2022

Fence Products

Types of Wire Fencing & Their Uses

by Judy Knowler August 16, 2022

Around the farm, wire fencing comes in many different forms. Welded wire, woven wire, barbed wire, and electric wire each have their uses. Choosing the right fencing material depends on a variety of factors, like the purpose of the fence or the type of animal it contains. If you’re planning to put up a new fence, all the options can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide that will help you compare the options and make an informed decision.

August 16, 2022

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