What is a farm without a good fence? Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting your journey into the world of agriculture with a hobby farm, high quality fencing is vital. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to pick the right type of farm fencing for your needs. That’s where our handy guide to agricultural fencing types comes in – to make the pivotal decision that bit easier. Let’s dive in.
What features to look for across agricultural fencing types
Farmland covers 8.9 million hectares of England’s overall area (that’s 69%!). With this in mind, farm fencing is a crucial aspect of any rural property or land, providing an important barrier between the things you want to fence in and the unwanted visitors you need to keep out.
Durability
All types of fences for farms or agricultural land must meet a set of requirements in order to be safe and effective. First up, you’ll want a fence that is strong enough to endure the elements and regular wear and tear. If you are keeping large animals, this means considering fencing that can withstand their weight.
Height
One of the most important considerations, that may seem obvious is the height of the fence you install and how deep it runs into the ground. You will need to think carefully about the type of livestock you are keeping as their different abilities to jump, climb or dig under a fence will affect the requirements at hand.
Rot resistance
Your fence won’t be up to snuff if it begins to rot and fall apart shortly after its installation. You’ll want to ensure that, if you’re using timber, it has been treated. And if rotten fence posts are still a concern, you can install Postsaver sleeves to reduce the impact of cold and damp conditions.
Prevalent agricultural fencing types
With so many types of farm fencing on the market it is often difficult to narrow down your decision, so here we’ve provided the most widespread types and their advantages to help you fully weigh up your options.
Agricultural post and rail fencing
Agricultural post and rail fencing is a classic choice for farmers for good reason. Well established in farm tradition, these types of farm fences are easy to erect and stand firm against the elements, and particularly in areas in which the lands dips and slopes as they can be adapted to the land without difficulty.
Other advantages include their natural aesthetic appeal and strength. They are constructed by a durable system of vertical wooden posts and 3-4 horizontal rails. The timber here is usually treated pine or cedar, which can be stained or painted to finish the look.
Stake and galvanised wire fencing
Stake and galvanised wire fencing is multipurpose by leaps and bounds. Suited to a variety of purposes from marking estate boundaries to kennels, there are many height options available. The timber stakes are usually treated to protect the wood from rot and decay and the wire often reinforced by gripping tools. You might also hear this type of fencing referred to as stock fencing.
Wire netting fencing
Wire netting fencing is a versatile option that can be used for a variety of different purposes from boundary marking to fencing in crops and a myriad of livestock. Also referred to as poultry or chicken wire, it is made from a combination of wires woven together to form a strong and durable barrier.
Often used to protect small animals from predators or as extra protection around plants, wire netting is ideal for farmers with unusually shaped properties as it can be adapted to irregular shapes and sizes. The only downside to this is that it makes for a more time-consuming installation that may require a professional to do the job.
Barbed wire fencing
Barbed wire fencing is a staple of the agricultural world – and for good reason. It’s modestly priced, simple to install, and it does a stellar job of keeping animals contained.
Needless to say, the downside of this type of farm fencing is that it can pose a danger to animals and humans if not well maintained. Hence, you should take extra care to install the barbed wire correctly and ensure it receives all the TLC it requires, and your animals deserve.
Plain wire fencing
Plain wire fencing is a helpful solution to long distance fencing requirements. Often used to control livestock and fence off public pathways, it consists of durable timber posts and long-lasting galvanised steel wire strung between the posts. This choice is popular amongst agriculturalists, given its economical price tag and easy installation.
More unusual types of fences for farms
When it comes to farming, there are some situations where standard farm fencing just won’t cut it. That’s where these more specialist agricultural fencing types come in. They are designed with specific uses in mind and can provide advanced features to better suit the needs of the farmer.
Deer fencing
First up, is deer fencing. These fences are typically much taller than standard farm fencing, with heights of up to 8 feet, to keep deer from jumping over them. They are also made from hardy materials that are more difficult for deer to chew through.
Electric fencing
Electric fencing is a great option for farmers who want to protect existing fencing and hedges or follow rotational grazing systems. Its low-voltage current is used to maintain a barrier that animals can’t and won’t want to cross. This means you can prevent larger livestock from damaging parts of the fence it deems a scratching post and all whilst controlling the grazing pressure.
Electric fencing is highly customisable and flexible, making it a brilliant alternative or addition to conventional fencing. However, on the whole it can be more expensive to install and maintain than other types, so it’s down to personal preference.
Hazel hurdle
Hazel hurdle fences aren’t suited to fencing in animals, but they certainly are an aesthetic choice for farm parks that are open to the public. These rustic fence panels are made from woven branches and offer a timeless feel that will transport visitors to a different time and place.
Predator fencing
Predator fencing, as you might expect from the name, is designed to keep predators such as foxes out of a farmer’s property. They are usually made of sturdy, reinforced wire mesh, and are often taller and stronger than standard farm fencing of similar types.
To tie things up
When looking for the ideal types of farm fencing for your business or hobby farm, consider who (and what) you want to keep in out. Each agricultural fence has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll want to tailor your decision to your priorities.
You may require specialist types of farm fencing, which can more expensive than standard fences. But in certain cases, it can cut down expenses in the long run, save time and even the lives of your animals. It is always important to assess your unique needs to choose the right type of fencing for your farm. After all, a good fence makes for good neighbours (and happy livestock).
