Farm fencing solutions to protect your livestock and rural property.
There are many different types of fencing and enclosure materials available. However, not all of these are ideal for dairy farms. What types are the best for livestock enclosure, perimeter fencing, and other dairy farmer requirements? This article will discuss some of the best types to use.
Why do dairy farmers need fencing and enclosures?
Some of the best reasons include protection from wild animals and people, to keep the livestock in and to delineate farm boundaries:
Protection from wild animals: Australia’s notorious for its wildlife – something that dairy farmers are well aware of. It’s crucial to keep all livestock safe from animal attacks, which is why sturdy, reliable fences and enclosures are needed.
Property protection from people: The dairy farm doesn’t just need protection from outside animals. People are capable of doing significantly more damage, too, so be sure to put up fences to keep unwanted visitors away and the property safe.
To keep livestock in: This is possibly the most significant function that dairy farm fencing and enclosures have. These can keep the livestock from wandering away, keeping them safe within the confines of the property.
To delineate farm boundaries: Rural fencing is also valuable for setting the outer bounds of the property. They serve two purposes: Guiding property owners and keeping encroachers out.
What are the best fencing and enclosure types for dairy farms?
Given the above purposes in installing rural fencing, it’s safe to say that not just any type of fencing or livestock enclosure will do. For the best dairy farm fences, the following types of fencing are amongst the most ideal:
1. Wooden fencing
Wooden fencing is the most commonly used type in pretty much any farm, thanks to the following advantages:
- Aesthetics: Wooden fencing can be quite pleasing to the eyes.
- Easy to install: Wood fencing is easy to acquire and install and require no specialised equipment.
- Relatively cheap: Wooden fences do not cost a lot to purchase, making them cost-effective as livestock enclosures for large areas.
Nevertheless, some downsides to wooden fencing include:
- Treatment: Wooden fencing needs to be treated with chemicals to ensure they are weather and insect-resistant. This can be quite off-putting for some.
- Sturdiness: While wooden fencing is reasonably sturdy, there are other sturdier options.
2. Electric fencing
Electric fencing is great at keeping livestock in and undesirables out. Some advantages of electric fencing include:
- Usable with other types: Electric fences work well with other types of fencing and enclosure. This is especially useful when creating multiple segments or temporary dividers in a dairy farm.
- Long-lasting: Since electric fencing uses high-tensile wires, they can last a pretty long time.
Meanwhile, the disadvantages of electric fencing are:
- Complex set-up and maintenance: It’s not exactly easy to set up an electric fencing since special equipment and training are needed. Also, maintenance of electric fences is more challenging compared to other types of fencing.
- Relies on a deterrent: Electric fencing as livestock enclosures relies on animals learning that they get shocked when they get too close. This shock can’t always deter animals that are rather more stubborn.
- Sturdiness: While electrical fencing is weather-proof, these are still prone to damage by significant impact.
3. Barbed wire
Barbed wires are highly effective at keeping animals and intruders out. Other advantages of a barbed wire fencing are:
- Installation and maintenance: Installing a barbed wire fence is easy and requires no heavy equipment. It also doesn’t take much to maintain a barbed wire fence – all one has to do is keep it clean and clear of debris.
- Price: Since they do not cost too much to manufacture, barbed wire fencing costs relatively less.
Some disadvantages, on the other hand, include the following:
- Aesthetics: Barbed wire fences are not as attractive as other fence types.
- Hazardous to animals: Livestock and other animals can get caught up in an improperly installed barbed wire fence. As such, barbed wire fencing should only be used as a farm fencing for the outer perimeter—never in enclosures.
- Tangles: Barbed wire can get entangled in itself or other objects. The worst cases may require a complete replacement of the tangled segment.
4. Synthetic fences
Synthetic fences have gone a long way, and modern ones are a significant improvement over the synthetic fencing of decades past. Some advantages of synthetic fencing include:
- Durability and sturdiness: Modern synthetic fences are extremely durable and are designed to withstand weather and impact. A well-maintained fence even lasts for decades.
- Aesthetics: Synthetic fences come in many designs, so dairy farmers with an eye for aesthetics find this a plus.
- Mixable: Synthetic fences are highly compatible with other fence types.
Some disadvantages of synthetic fences are:
- Price: These can be pretty expensive depending on the synthetic material used. However, since they last a long time, the expense pays for itself in the long run.
5. Woven wire and chainwire
Woven and chainwire are tried-and-tested for farms since it’s great to use as fencing and enclosure for livestock and poultry. Some of its advantages are:
- Safety: Woven or chain wire enclosures are much safer for livestock since they present little risk of injury.
- Sturdiness: These are sturdy since they can resist quite a good amount of impact force. This is excellent for keeping predators out and livestock inside enclosures.
- Longevity: A well-maintained woven or chain wire fence can last for more than a decade.
Some cons to choosing chainwire fencing and woven wire fencing, however, include:
- Features: Woven wire fencing is pretty basic, so those looking for other functions out of their fences may find woven wire unappealing.
- Sags: Anything heavy weighing down on these fences can cause them to sag. For example, heavy branches and fallen trees might cause a problem, which is why you should hire only an experienced chainwire fencing specialist to erect your fence.
Contact an Experienced Fencing Specialist for Rural Fencing and Farm Enclosure Solutions.
It always helps to call on a fencing specialist for quality work and materials, regardless of the type of dairy farm fencing or enclosure you require. For those in Newcastle and Hunter Valley, you can contact Chainwire Fencing Specialist for cost-effective solutions.
Learn more about Chainwire Fencing Specialist today! You can also contact your trusted Newcastle fencing contractors by calling on 02 4023 5416 or sending an email to admin@chainwire-fencing.com.