The right type of fence contributes greatly to the success of a farmer. Not all fences are appropriate for every type of farming. Here are a few types of fences and what they do best.
Barbed Wire Fence
When used to protect bigger and calmer animals such as cattle, the barbed wire fence is not as brutal as it seems. A wandering cow might get a bit of a sting, but she’ll know to avoid the fence from then on. The other great thing about barbed wire is that it deters predators, who also learn to associate the fence with discomfort. Other benefits of barbed wire fences are that they don’t cost as much as some other fences and don’t need as much care.
However, you should never keep horses behind a barbed wire fence. Horses are skittish, and they’ll hurt themselves to get away from what they perceive as a threat. Other cons are that barbed wire fences are hard to install and should be installed by a professional. Also, these fences are just not aesthetically pleasing.
Wooden Fence
A wooden fence may be just right for a very small farm with a few animals. They can be customized and so can be very attractive. Wooden fences are also easy to fix, even for a layperson. On the other hand, wood can be expensive, doesn’t last as long as some other materials and needs a good deal of maintenance. This is true even if the wood is treated.
Other Wire Fences
There are a few types of wire fences besides barbed wire. The other wire fences most often seen on farms are woven wire and welded wire.
Woven Wire
These fences look much like the typhoon fences seen around suburban yards. They’re good for keeping large but placid animals such as cows or sheep. The fence can also be custom-made depending on the type of animal you’re keeping. They’re easy to fix, durable and come in a range of sizes. On the other hand, they can be pricey and are subject to rust. They also do remind people of unattractive typhoon fencing.
Welded Wire
Welded wire is different from woven wire because the wires are actually welded together instead of wrapped around each other. Though this makes the fence a little less sturdy, it’s also more aesthetically pleasing. It’s the fence used to protect crops, garden plants and small animals such as chickens and ducks. It also costs less than woven wire and doesn’t need that much care.
As a farmer, you know that you need different types of fencing for various types of agriculture. For agricultural fence service, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals at Complete Fence Care of Columbia, MO.