Fencing Procedures for Beginners

Farm fencing is a legal obligation for landholders for the protection of their property. Landholders have a responsibility of ensuring the privacy of their private land. However, it goes beyond being a legal obligation. You want to ensure you do not lose your stock, endanger passing motorists, or offend your neighbours. A well-structured and designed fence is therefore critical for your property. With some smart investments and basic guidelines on fencing material and requirements, you can erect your own boundary.

Creating Boundaries

The purpose of the fence informs the type and kind of boundary that you need to create. You could either consider erecting an electric or conventional fence. An electric fence carries with it a shock that mildly electrocutes thereby creating a psychological barrier. Conventional fences are physical barriers that curtail unauthorised entry. These include barbed wires, plain wires, or pre-fabricated rolls. Several factors inform the most appropriate design for your fence.

Different animals exert pressure on your fence. The weight of a cow is far much higher than the weight of a sheep. Horses, on the other hand, are not only bulky but tall. Yes, your fence should be able to withstand the varied physical pressure from your stock. Also, consider the natural topography of your farm. Undulating plains, deep gullies, or steep slopes all require different approaches. Factor in if the fence is a boundary or internal fence. Boundary fences should offer more protection and therefore must be constructed sturdier. Research on the different farm fencing supplies and choose the one that best suits your particular needs.

Making-up a Fence

The basic conventional fence requires intermediate posts, a tightly stretched wire and droppers between strainers, and a strainer assembly. The job of strainer assembly is to transfer the tension accumulated in the wires downwards to the ground for stability.  The droppers and intermediate posts guide the line wires and provide lateral resistance. The wire links the entire assembly and is the most primary component of a fence. Consider your budget and select the most appropriate material. Fences can be built from timber, concrete, or steel.

Assembling Your Fence

Start with installing the posts with appropriate spacing and depth. For maximum strength, keep their posts straight. If possible, use a tractor powered driver as a guide and to exert maximum pressure.  Use hand tools if a tractor is unavailable. With fence materials, your supplier will most likely have irrigation supplies. If and when you experience compaction of the ground, irrigate mildly to loosen up the topsoil. Ensure you do not overdo it as it weakens your posts. When the post is firmly secured in the ground, the next process is attaching wires. Where possible, employ a multiple wire strainer as leverage for all the wires in your roll for equal distribution of tension. Create enough tension using a four-wheel drive or a tractor before securing the wires on the posts. Tie all the loose ends by connecting them together in order to release the pressure on the strainer. Then, secure the assembly to the ground using a dropper.

Securing your farm does not need to be complicated. with minimal investments in farm fencing supplies, you will have a professionally assembled fence that will stand the taste of time.

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