Farm Fencing for Beginners – Fencing Techniques and Your Farm

Well-designed fencing is an important part to any property’s infrastructure. Wandering livestock are not only a risk to themselves, but also a serious public safety risk, particularly when they are on the road. Wandering livestock can injure themselves, and also cause damage to property. However, confining livestock can be a huge hassle without the support of reliable fencing in place, adding unnecessary stress that is easily avoidable.

This is why smart investment in the correct fencing material, guidance on the design and an understanding on key maintenance techniques will go a long way in the effective management of your farm.

The Legalities of Farm Fencing

In the state of Queensland, as a landowner, you are legally obligated to build a fence around your property. While local government guidelines and requirements may vary, generally the cost of boundary fences:

• Between private properties – is shared equally between both parties
• Between private ownership and the Crown – is the responsibility of the landowner

The Creation of Boundaries

It doesn’t matter if your plan is to create new fencing or replace an old one, the initial step is deciding which fencing type best suites the needs of your property. The two categories of fencing you will come across is conventional fencing and electrical fencing.

Conventional fencing uses prefabricated rolls, plain wires or barbed wires to create that desired physical stock proof barrier. Electrical fencing is different in the way that it relies on a psychological barrier that is developed with an electric shock, preventing cattle from crossing the fence.

Picking the right fencing method in light of boundary creation is based on three main factors:

1. The type of livestock the fencing will be used for. Different animals have different fencing requirements. For example, cattle often place much higher pressure on fences than smaller animals like sheep, meaning you will require a sturdier structure to maintain your stock.
2. Consider if you need an internal fence or a boundary fence. Boundary fences need to be stronger than internal fences and are usually reinforced with barbed wires for extra security.
3. The final element, and one you should not look past, is the topography of your property. Be wary of where the fencing will be placed. Consider steep slopes or gullies on the property, take into account other issues such as flooding or fires before installation.

Construction of a New Fence

After planning on the perfect location and deciding the fencing type in response to your farm’s needs, it’s time to start the process of construction.

This project will look something like this:

• Collection of steel fencing supplies – Ensuring all materials are gathered and ready to be used. This will include materials such as end assemblies, strainer posts, galvanised steel posts, fencing rolls, plain wire or barbed wire, gloves, fencing pliers and more.
• Clear proposed fence line of bush or small trees and outline a straight line through larger trees.
• Begin installation of end assemblies and strainer posts along proposed fence line.
• Run top wire lightly between strainer posts and end assemblies and use first wire to locate all intermediate posts and begin their instalment. To ensure all intermediate posts are aligned, use an optical aid such as an automatic level.
• Tension first wire as well as each remaining wire, completing a wire on each side of the strainer post to ensure the equalisation of tension on each side.
• If you’re using steel posts, tie wire to each post with the use of small length wire. For wooden structures, the wire is to be fed through holes drilled on each post.

Once the project is complete, farmers must remember that fences require regular checking as well as re-straining of wire as over time, wires are prone to stretching.

When it comes to creating fencing that is focused on longevity, investing in quality, durable and reliable materials will make it easier for you when it comes to maintenance. From wire to fencing rolls, ensuring materials are of high quality and are up to Australian standards is essential to the safety and endurance of your fence. Contact us today to find out how we can help with fencing your property.