When it comes to fencing, there is always a job to be done to maintain a quality fence.
Joseph Zulovich is an extension assistant professor and extension agricultural engineer specializing in the area of livestock housing systems with the University of Missouri Extension’s Commercial Agriculture program and MU’s Agricultural Systems Management program. “For exterior or division fences one should consider using a permanent, durable fencing system,” Zulovich said. “The most common options for cattle (cow-calf operations) are either a woven wire or multi-strand barb wire fence. For interior fences, one can use the above but electric fence can be a reasonable option.”
According to Zulovich, producers need to consider the possible necessary maintenance when selecting the fence type and location. “From my opinion and experience, a woven wire fence tends to have less damage caused by whitetail deer than is found with barb wire and probably high tensile fencing. Electric fences can often have damage due to deer. If one has a deer problem, the use of electric fencing for interior fences may not be a good choice.”
Bob Studebaker, owner of GoBob Pipe and Steel, said that steel is the strongest and most durable fencing material that can be used. “Continuous steel fence panels have become extremely popular because of the speed in which it can be installed, and that translates into less cost,” he added. “Pre-cut steel posts and 20-foot sections of fence can be installed in as little as three minutes per section.”
According to Studebaker, landowners need to remember when working with steel fencing, do not use used pipe, use ‘new’ pipe. “Almost all used pipe come from the oil patch,” he said. “When it is sold to a person for fence use, it is already worn out and not suitable for down-hole use. Oil wells these days produce more salt-water than oil. Acid is dumped down these wells to keep the oil flowing better. I don’t care how tempting the prices for used pipe are. You are wasting your time and money, and you will have to redo it.”
Regarding the clearance of brush, “I would recommend that an 8’ to 10’ area be cleared on at least the cattle side of a fence line so that one can easily drive along the fence to check fence and haul repair supplies,” Zulovich said. “Also, by providing space on the cattle side of the fence, cattle that may have been ‘pushing through’ a brushy area can see a fence ahead and help reduce the likelihood of cattle pushing through a fence.”
Studebaker recommended using a dozer to clear brush, then once a year spray the fence line with a brush killer to prevent new growth. “Leave enough room to run a brush cutter down both sides of the fence,” he added.
A regularly scheduled inspection of the fence system is necessary to maintain fences. “Often, simple fixes on a regular basis helps reduce the need for extensive repairs later,” Zulovich added.
