Cattle Fencing: 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wether an old farm hand or just beginning a career in farming, cattle fencing is something to be dealt with regularly. There are several reasons to use Best Redi Drivers Online for your fencing needs. Here are 6 common mistakes to avoid when dealing with cattle fencing on your farmland.
1. Corner Posts
One of the main issues is with corner posts. The problem is they are not put in the ground deep enough and can come loose with too much rain and allow your cattle to go on a walk about. Another issue with corner posts is the size is not large enough. It doesn’t matter if you are using woven wire, barbed wire or high-tensile wires, your corner post needs to be thick enough as well as set in the ground deep enough to last. One rule of thumb is to make sure the depth of the post is greater than or equal to the height of the wire at the top.
2. Wildlife Friendly
Most farmers will create cattle fencing that is moose-proof or elk-proof, but a flexible fencing system is better for wildlife. There will be fewer accidents and wildlife deaths due to fencing when using a PowerFlex type fencing system. A low-profile fencing system is another option for protecting area wildlife as well as creating a safe barrier for your cattle.
3. Spacing Posts to Close Together
Many fence installers tend to use too many posts and put them in the ground close together. This may sound like a good idea, but it is not helpful when using an electric fencing system. The ideal spacing is about 50 posts per mile or about 80 to 100 feet from each other. One good idea is to use what is called a “stay” which is described as a smaller, shorter post that will hang onto the top of the ground instead of being buried and will hold the wires up off the ground.
4. Grounding
The most important part of electric fencing is the grounding. You need to get this right to avoid danger to you and your livestock. One rule is to use 3 feet of ground rods to every joule of energy. The best grounding rod material is galvanized rods with most fencing companies using insulated galvanized wire for livestock.
5. Gate Openings with Current
When using an electric fencing system, you’ll want to properly apply current to the gate to keep the cattle inside, as well as the gate users safe from the current. One option is to use a floating diagonal brace and place it on both sides of the gate. You could also keep the fence current and safe by placing both the cold and hot galvanized wires in the ground under the gate opening. The current underground is the best way to keep everyone safe.
6. Steel Posts
A common mistake is using steel posts in an electric fence system which causes you to depend on an insulator to keep everyone safe or the fence from shorting out. Instead of steel posts, use a wood-plastic fused post or a flexible plastic style.
