Responsible Ranch Management: Fencing

Fencing should be planned to provide the highest operational advantages. This will vary depending on the operational needs and goals of each individual producer. Fencing needs can also vary between herds and paddocks as each one of these is unique in its own sense. Fencing plans should always be based around the appropriate material to reach the desired goal of that particular fence. These goals will be based on your operational needs. As a producer, we believe that this should also be with rotational grazing in mind as it is not only the most cost effective way of maintaining cattle health, but also efficient in the nutritional benefit of the livestock.

Our fencing is based on the grazing efficiency of our operations. This was determined with close attention to forage production per pasture, grazing habits of each individual herd, and the seasonal, climatic conditions of our region. No matter what type of fencing is determined most beneficial for your operation, quality construction and proper layout should always be the goal to decrease the costs and maintenance regardless of variation in fencing barriers. The fencing should also be based on the operation size, number of livestock, number of paddocks needed for acreage, and type of forage system in practice.

Physical Barriers

The ability of these barriers to last over an extended length of time is a high benefit. However, due to their permanence, the planning of these barriers should be carefully planned out before any construction.

This type of barrier have a higher capacity to last through inclement weather and varying climatic conditions throughout the seasons and also tend to be more aesthetic for appearances. Due to these long-term benefits, physical barriers also are almost always a much more expensive option for producers. If designed correctly they can provide a higher level of protection against predators as well as safer conditions for cattle when they come into contact with the barrier. In crowded areas, the sturdiness of these fences can hold up against easily excited cattle or in cases of introducing new cattle into a herd. It is because of this sturdiness that they also tend to be less maintenance if correctly constructed creating a longer life span for the investment.

Psychological Barriers

These barriers allow a much lower investment cost to the cattleman, however, there is a more frequent need for maintenance typically. When psychological fencing is initially implemented into an operation, there is a level of training that the cattle must endure to learn where their barriers are.

In most cases, as long as cattle forage is in abundance, they will have no reason to test the barrier or cause any damage to the barrier, especially once trained. This is best used for cattle that are acclimated to remaining with the herd and familiar with their surroundings. It is not suggested to use this on new additions to any herd as their is a higher chance of the cattle escaping and injuring themselves after the escape.

When the initial training period is started there will be a higher amount of maintenance involved, but reconstruction is typically an inexpensive fix and only costs the time of the producer. Depending on the livestock being held in the barrier, there may be a need for multiple levels of the electric fencing. This should be determined by the producer and potentially individualized by paddock.

No matter which barrier best serves the operation, there should be access to shade and water on each pasture. Flooding can also be an issue in certain regions or the set up of your pastures. Fencing should be designed with this in mind to keep cattle safe. If flooding is an issue in certain seasons, it is best to divide these pasture is possible for the ability to move cattle to higher grounds. Another design that should be taken into consideration when building fencing is your plan for weaning.

In our operations we wean in connecting pastures as it provides a reduced stressful weaning process. Our calves are sorted into the field where they may still have access to visual contact with their mothers, but they have no physical contact. Any fencing structure should start with substantial corner posts so that the structure has a higher longevity and reduced expense for the producer. It should also be taken into consideration your breeding schedule so that the bulls have a sturdier fence between them and cows so that there is less destruction. All fencing should be maintained to allow any investment in fencing to last a longer period of time. With correct fencing management and planning, a producer can efficiently and cost effectively meet operational goals and maintain cattle safety and health.