Livestock Fence Cost Calculator
This calculator will help you calculate the cost of livestock fencing. Fencing is an important part of farm planning to protect your animals from predators and segment your farms for efficient administration .
This calculator will help you calculate the cost of building your livestock fence. Continue reading to learn more about livestock fencing and how to build one.
You can also use the plant spacing tool to determine the spacing of hedgerows, if you prefer them over a traditional fence. You can also use corn yield and grain bin calculators to assist you with crop-related calculations.
Why livestock fencing?
Fences are used to keep wild animals, such as coyotes and deer away, like wild dogs, coyotes and deer. You can control uncontrolled movements and help your animal management. The proper fencing can help reduce the death rate of your animals. You can also improve your livestock feed conversion rate if you have a pasture or water source near by.
What is the cost of livestock fencing?
Because we already have the list of materials you will need, the livestock fence cost calculator can be a great place to begin estimating the cost to build your fence.
Many livestock fencing companies can provide valuable advice on the best agricultural fencing materials. It is important to know what you need for your particular situation before buying.
Different types of livestock fences
Two types of livestock fences can be classified based on their purpose.
- Permanent fences are long-lasting and made with sturdy agricultural fencing materials to keep animals from escaping. Strong fencing materials are required for farms that will house multiple animals.
- Temporary Fences – These temporary fences are intended for short-term use. They do not need to be made with expensive materials. Temporary fences are used psychologically to deter animals from entering certain areas of the farm. Although they require more maintenance, livestock electric fences are very effective in preventing predators. Temporary fences can be easily moved and rearranged to control animals when they are moving from leased land or during rotational grazing.
Livestock fences can be made of wire, cables, barbed wire or mesh. These are the most common types of fence:
- Woven wire fence;
- Barbed wire fence;
- Non-electric high-tensile wire fence
- High-tensile electrified wire fencing;
- An electrified fence made of polywire.
Different types of livestock fencing materials
Cost per foot for livestock fencing depends on what materials you choose. These materials can be found in the following:
- Wires– Wires are available in different grades according to the thickness of the zinc coating that protects them against rusting. Zinc coatings last longer than fence wires. As an estimater for the cost of barb wire fencing, you can use the livestock fence cost calculator.
- Fence posts It is essential to use decay-resistant fencing posts, especially for permanent fences. They typically measure between 3-8 feet in length. You can find posts in plastic, steel and fiberglass.Wooden posts are more popular because they resist misalignment and bending, but have a different lifespan when used as fence posts. Make sure to buy treated wooden posts.Steel posts are more cost-effective, lighter, fireproof and can be driven directly into the ground. They are not as strong against bending so you might consider using them alongside some wooden posts.
Steel posts and wood posts need insulators to prevent short circuiting the fence through them if you are using electrified wires.
To strengthen your fence, ensure at least 30% of the fence posts reach the ground. This means that 30% must be added to your desired height.
- Staples If you use softwood to make fence posts, galvanized staples should be at least 2-inches in length. This will prevent staples from pulling apart over time. Hardwood posts that have shorter staples are less likely pull out.
- Electric fence controllers Also called the charger or energizer , controls the voltage and amperage of electricity in order to regulate the severity and duration of shock to animals that come into contact with an electric fencing. The distance they can power an electric fence controller determines its size. The following formula can be used to determine the right controller for your electric fence:
The number of miles a controller can supply power = (fence lengthxnumber of electrified wires + 25%(four miles x 3 wires = twelve miles) + 25% = 15 mile.When an electrical power source cannot be found, solar and battery-powered energizers can be used.
What fence is best for cattle, sheep, goat, horses, and pigs, and what should they be used for?
A fence that can withstand the worst case scenario is the best for livestock is the one that is most reliable. It doesn’t matter what material you choose, your fence will be tested when animals panic, breed, are newly weaned or hungry. Your animals will be more motivated to get through your fence if there are lush green crops to the side.
The best fencing materials will depend on how the animals are being raised.
- Sheeps and goats Recommend: Woven wire & high-tensile electrified wire fence.Goats and sheep try to crawl underneath their fences . It is important to ensure that wires are not too high to prevent fence failure. An effective electric system can help protect goats from predators and make them “fence-wise”. The sheep’s thick wools protect them from electric shocks and the wools cover barbed wires. It is highly recommended that they be managed by a well-electrified system for the woven wire.
- Cattle: Recommend: Barbed wire & woven wire fence.You can use any type of fence to confine cattle, depending on their temperament. Cattle will jump over fences. This means that wires must be placed above ground level to allow for cattle’s height. Cable, thick-gauge electrified wires with heavy posts, are good options for bulls.
- Horses: Recommend: Woven wire & high-tensile non-electric wire fence.DO NOT use barbed wires. Horses will try to cross their fences. Make sure that the fencing materials are clearly visible. The materials shouldn’t be dangerous for horses to get tangled up and injure themselves. Horses are unpredictable in their response to electrified fencing, so make sure to consult an expert before you do.
- Pigs: Recommend: Barbed wire & Electrified polywire fence.Pigs will root themselves under fence. It’s best to put a strong fence low to ground to discourage them.
Important points to remember when building livestock fences. How can you build a livestock fencing?
- Take into consideration all regulations that apply to the type fence you are planning to build.
- Sketch your farm layout and note the exact boundaries between properties. This is especially important if you are building a permanent fence.
- Segment the farmland in sections. These sections include pasture areas for animals to graze, cultivated and uncultivated areas, water sections, and areas that are not grazed. Segmentation can be used to plan where temporary fences will be placed during the season, and for rotational grazing after harvest.
- Take into account the topography. Unlevelled ground increases the difficulty and cost of construction. Straight fences are also more efficient, so optimize your plans.
- Make multiple lanes that animals can use to get from their confinements to the pastures. For lanes that are resistant to erosion and gullies, choose the dryest areas.
- Make your corner posts and gate. These posts should be stronger and have a greater diameter than the line posts. While there is no universal rule, you can keep the spacing between 8-12 feet for low-tensile fences and 20 feet for high-tensile ones.
Noteworthy: Livestock fencing maintenance
- To avoid ground dragging, brace gates at the top of the ground
- Keep bushes and weeds clear of the fence line, especially electric fences, to reduce the controllers’ charge.
- Secure loose wires and staples.
- Make sure the fencing wires are properly stretched.
- Regular inspections are a must for maintaining your property.