Rethinking fencing will promote grazing

Livestock and fences go together as we have to keep our critters home if we want peace with the neighbors. Fencing materials have changed dramatically since early generations built their fences using available materials, most often including farm cut posts and multiple strands of traditional barbed wire or woven wire, often referred to as “American” wire.

These old fences are now run down with the wire and posts well on their way to being useless. If it were not for the vines and briars covering them, these old fences would not even turn the wind and are now at the end of their useful life.

The question is — can we afford not to replace them if it means giving up grazing land? Under current economic conditions it seems that grazing is the economical path forward.

Plenty of new fencing has been installed in more recent years, often times through cost sharing arrangements with state and federal agencies, improving water quality and livestock management at the same time. These modern fences use the standard “salt treated” post and many use hi-tensile smooth or woven wire.

Hi-tensile wire seems to have gradually replaced traditional soft wire fencing for one simple reason. Post spacing can be at least doubled with hi-tensile wire fences and since the posts are most of the cost, you can cut fence construction costs dramatically when using hi-tensile wire.

Plenty of people prefer closer post spacing but economics today seem to dictate you consider a cheaper alternative. This could be the only way we can afford to replace these old fences out of pocket.

The most common excuse farmer’s use for not grazing a piece of land is fencing. The other common drawback to grazing available land is water — this problem is more difficult to address on your own, but our government agencies have an answer.

When a farmer tells me he can’t afford to build a fence, I agree if we are talking about a traditional fence with posts every eight feet. But, if you change your view of what constitutes a fence, then you can begin to see a way around this roadblock.

In legal terms, a fence is specific, however when you include the common practice in your neighborhood the definition of a fence changes.

If we are to graze available land, new fences must be built.

Affordable fences contain fewer posts which is possible with both hi-tensile and electric fence.

Plan to attend a fence building school near you to learn how to afford and build new livestock fencing. In our area there will be a school April 8 at the Research Station in Orange. Go online vaforages.org/ to see dates for other schools or register by calling: 434-292-5331 ext. 240.

Space is limited to 30 people and there is a $25 fee payable in advance.

Carl Stafford is the extension agent for Culpeper County. He can be reached at ccstaffo@vt.edu or at 727-3435 ext. 351.