Fencing for any farm or property can be quite costly, but most property owners see it as a worthy investment. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can be haphazard or careless in your choice of fencing – you have to choose the proper fences and fencing materials so you can make the most of your investment and have it work for your needs.
The proper fencing is particularly crucial if you have livestock; the fences you choose should be appropriate for your livestock’s breed, their age, your system of production, and the livestock’s species. You want to go for fencing that lasts and can also bring you the most value for your money, but you won’t want to be stingy when it comes to quality and purpose, either. For all of this, you need to come up with suitable fences for your entire property.
Here, then, is how you can develop the best fencing system for your farm and property.
Make a map
The first thing to focus on would be making a map of your farm, as McVeighparker.com, an experienced fencing and farm supply specialist confirms. Draw a detailed sketch and make sure to include the land’s topography as well as any water systems or waterways.
Remember that the arrangement and location of your fences may well affect the efficiency of your production, so be as detailed as possible. Divide your land into different portions or areas which are suitable for hay or pasture, woodland (both for pasture and not for pasture), and cropland.
Figure out gates and lanes
You also have to figure out your property’s gates and lanes. Ideally, you should plan your lanes to connect different buildings where you hold livestock, water, and facilities with all your fields which can be used for pasture. You can, for instance, make use of permanent pastureland between different fields as a lane.
Your lanes should also be in the drier portions or areas of your farm, such as on a ridge or terrace, especially if you don’t want the formation of gullies after regular use. If you can’t find a drier location, make your lane movable, and if the lanes are frequently used, consider gravelling or grading it.
You should also figure out the gates of your property as well as passageways, particularly for equipment and livestock in each field’s corner placed closest to your buildings. If your fields are across from each other on a road, your gates should be placed facing each other so your livestock can cross with ease.
Think about permanent and temporary fences
When it comes to fencing, think about permanent and temporary ones. For permanent fences, choose only high-quality materials that can last without any major repairs. You should use permanent fences around your farm’s perimeter so you can establish a fixed-line for your property. If the expense of fencing your entire farm’s boundary is too much, focus on the necessary for containing livestock.
You can use temporary fencing for short periods before moving it to another location, so make sure it is easy to construct and take down as well; low cost is another factor, too. Temporary fencing is ideal for rotational and controlled grazing and the division of pasture for livestock. You can move it every year, until you have decided on the layout which works best for your farm.