Grazing professionals agree that fencing and watering products are tools necessary for best utilizing your land, maximizing animal performance and increasing your bottom line. When it comes to livestock fencing, personal preference prevails. However, there are some products that are more effective, have less maintenance and are more cost efficient.
There is enough research and data to show that a controlled grazing system will make better use of your land, will promote animal health and will increase profitability. Quality fencing materials are tools that make these goals possible and will also make your life easier and give you more time for other things.
End and Corner Posts
When constructing any fence, your starting point and most important is your corner and end posts. Two designs that work extremely well are the H-brace and floating brace designs. Your fence is only as strong as the corners and ends you install.
Wire
Barbed wire can be an effective fence with the only downside being cost, maintenance and lack of versatility. One hi-tensile offset wire will add versatility and protect against some maintenance issues. That offset wire should be at least 10-12 inches from the barbed wire.
Hi-tensile wire that is 12.5 gauge, a minimum of 180,000 psi (pounds per square inch) and with a Class III galvanized coating or better has greater breaking strength than even the best barbed wire, will last much longer and because of expansion and memory qualities, does not require maintenance to keep it tensioned. Best of all, the cost of hi-tensile wire is far less and it’s easier to work with.
Line Posts
When using electrified wire, it is always best to use self-insulating line posts to avoid the possibility of shorts. Steel posts are basically a ground rod. If steel posts are the option you choose, dark insulators hold up best. Black or dark green insulators have carbon in them which is a UV stabilizer.
Energizers
Energizers probably vary more than any other component involved in a fencing system. Some brands rate their energizers in stored joules and others in output joules. What actually matters is the power delivered to the fence, which is measured in output joules. Don’t make the mistake of judging an energizer by its packaging. A practical rule of thumb is 1 output joule for every 3 miles of relatively clean fence. If there will be a fairly heavy grass load on the fence at any given time, then 1 joule per mile is even better. You will not be disappointed with more power, but not enough power is like not having power at all. With adequate power, multiple strands of wire decreases resistance and can actually increase the carrying capacity of electricity through the fence.
Bi-polar technology delivers even greater shocking power. It allows you to put equal amounts of positive energy into some wires and negative energy into others. When alternating positive and negative wires, anything touching the fence will receive the full impact from both. This system is especially helpful in very dry conditions. Grounding conditions will vary according to soil types and moisture. The number of ground rods will also depend on your energizer size. Ground rods should be placed 10 feet apart. To check if your grounding system is adequate, put a load (metal, steel, etc.) on your fence about 100 feet from your energizer until the voltage reading on your fence is close to 1,000 volts or less. Then, check the voltage reading on your furthest ground rod from your energizer. If it reads over 400 you will need more grounding for maximum performance from your energizer.
Once you have a good perimeter fence installed, subdividing with portable products is quick and easy. Within a very short time, moving livestock becomes as easy as opening a spot for them to pass through.
Connie Krider owns PowerFlex Fence in Hartville, Mo.
