Strong fence, happy livestock: what you need to knowIf there’s one thing every livestock owner knows, it’s that a fence isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re raising cattle, sheep, horses, or goats, a good fence is the first line of defense in keeping your animals where they belong. Without one, you risk them wandering off, getting injured, or even causing accidents. Just as important, a well-built fence helps keep predators out, protecting your animals from threats like coyotes or stray dogs. Simply put, a strong, reliable fence is one of the best investments you can make for your operation.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Good fences make good neighbors,” which couldn’t be more accurate. No one wants to wake up to find a neighbor’s cows trampling their garden or goats munching on their shrubs. As a responsible livestock owner, it’s your job to ensure your animals stay on your land, not roaming onto roads or someone else’s property. Loose livestock can lead to serious legal and financial headaches—not to mention the risk of causing an accident if they wander onto a highway. A well-maintained fence saves you a lot of trouble and keeps relationships with neighbors friendly.

When it comes to choosing a fence, the options can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. Barbed wire, woven field fence, electric, and rail fencing all have their pros and cons, depending on the type of livestock you have and your budget. Some fences require more maintenance than others, and factors like weather, terrain, and predators should all play a role in your decision. The best fence for you is the one that meets your needs while being sturdy, cost-effective, and practical for long-term use. Taking the time to plan and invest in the right fencing now can save you a lot of frustration—and money—down the road.

Step 1: Plan Before You Build

The first step in any project is to plan out exactly how you will do it, and fencing is no different. It would be best to plan where the fence will be going and how much is needed.

During this stage, you will determine all of the materials that you will need. An important thing to remember is that if the job is rather large, it may be a good idea to purchase a little more than the bare necessities to finish it. It never fails that you may be off on your calculations or that something will get damaged along the way. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as checking for loose wires or damaged posts, is crucial to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your fence.

At this stage, you will also select the type of fencing to install. Your decision will be influenced by the type of animals you will be keeping and your total budget.

Some of the common types of fencing that you will find are:

  • Barbed wire
  • Woven field fence
  • Rail
  • Electric

Once you have the area selected, you will want to prepare the site before you put any fence in. This preparation will mean taking a dozer or skid steer and clearing out all the trees and brush from the area. You will also want to make the area as level as possible to make installation easier.

Step 2: Strong Corners Make Strong Fences

A fence is only as strong as its corner posts. A common problem that many people need help with is selecting the right size of post to use for the corners.

Photo courtesy of Wire Fence https://www.wirefence.co.uk/brace-fence-post/

The post size you will use depends on the number of wires you will be installing.

 The depth at which you bury the post will also affect how strong the fence will be. The hole you dig should be as deep as the height of the top wire. This ratio means that for a fence shorter than 42″, you should use a post that is 8 ft in total length.

When it comes to bracing the corner posts, there are generally 2 types to use: a floating diagonal or an H-brace. Both of these types have pros and cons, as well as requirements, to consider.

A floating diagonal is suitable for up to 5 wires, and the H-brace is ideal for up to 8 wires. Now, the H-brace will be more sturdy, but the floating diagonal will only require two posts instead of 3 for the other one.

Dos and Don’ts for Proper Corner Post Installation

  • Do:
    • Choose appropriately sized posts based on the number of wires and overall fence height.
    • Dig the post holes deep enough—aim for a depth equal to the height of the top wire, so for a fence under 42 inches, use an 8-foot post.
    • Use proper bracing (like an H-brace for up to 8 wires or a floating diagonal for up to 5 wires) to enhance stability.
    • Ensure the soil in the post holes is well-draining and properly compacted around the post.
    • Regularly inspect and maintain your posts and braces for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Don’t:
    • Don’t use posts that are too short or flimsy; this compromises the entire fence’s strength.
    • Don’t under-dig the post holes; insufficient depth can lead to a wobbly fence.
    • Don’t skip bracing if your fence has multiple wires—it’s critical for long-term stability.
    • Don’t mix different sizes or types of posts that may create weak points in the fence line.
    • Don’t ignore environmental factors like soil moisture and compaction that can affect post-stability.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Fence for Your Livestock

The type of fencing you choose isn’t just about looks or cost—it’s about what works best for the animals you’re raising. Different livestock have different needs, and the wrong fence can lead to frustration, escape attempts, or even injuries. For example, cattle do well with barbed wire because their thick hides can handle it, but that same fence could seriously injure a horse. Goats and sheep, on the other hand, need something like woven wire to keep them from squeezing through or climbing over. Taking the time to match your fencing to your animals will save you much trouble down the road.

Beyond keeping your animals in, the right fence can also help keep predators out. If you’re raising smaller livestock like chickens, goats, or sheep, you might need a fence with smaller gaps or even an electric wire to deter coyotes and stray dogs. Horses and more expensive animals are often kept behind sturdy rail fences for both security and visibility. Electric fencing has gained popularity because it’s affordable and easy to move, making it a great choice for rotational grazing. No matter what you’re raising, picking the right fence means balancing cost, durability, and safety to create a setup that works best for you and your livestock.

Barbed wire

  • This type is the most common type that you will see across most of the cow country simply because it can be cheaper.
  • Depending on the landowner’s preference, it can require as few as three wires or as many as eight.
  • This type typically works well for cattle because of their tougher hides
  • Not really a good option for horses or any smaller animals that you may have
  • Standard barbed wire fencing typically has posts that are 10ft to 12ft apart
  • Depending on the number of strands being used, they can be spaced between 8“ to 10″

Woven field fence

  • This type can work for any species but is usually preferred for both horses and smaller animals like goats and sheep.
  • Woven wire fences consist of several horizontal lines of smooth wire held apart by vertical wires called stays.
  • Spacing between the wires can vary depending on the type and use
  • The height of the wire can vary from 26“ for smaller animals to over 48“ for taller animals
  • There are many different combinations of wire size, spacing, and heights that you can choose from

Rail fences

  • Rail fences are typically used for border fences around farm buildings or the home
  • They are also more typically found at different types of horse farms where more expensive animals are kept
  • There are many different options now that you can choose from for a rail fence
    • wood
    • PVC
    • vinyl coated
    • pipe
  • You can choose many different heights, but people usually choose 4 to 5 feet for livestock.

 Electric

  • This type of fence is gaining in popularity because it is reasonably cheap to install and easy to move if you need
  • Adding an electric wire to an already existing fence can help improve the fence’s effectiveness.
  • Corners and end posts with electric fencing require less bracing than a more “permanent“ type of fence.
  • If you are using temporary 1 or 2 strands of either a smooth wire or tape or rope, it is good.
  • The more permanent types can have from 2 to 8 smooth wires placed on stronger posts.

Step 4: Fence Maintenance – Keeping It in Good Shape

Another thing to consider when planning your fence project is what you can do maintenance-wise. Fences, like anything else in your place, will require upkeep. Here’s a checklist from my previous post Maximize your pasture: start preparing for spring now of things to look for when inspecting your fences to make sure they’re in top condition:

  • Check for Gaps: Look for any openings in the fence where livestock could squeeze through, especially at corners or along the bottom.
  • Inspect for Loose Posts: Ensure all fence posts are sturdy and properly set. Push gently to see if they wobble or are leaning.
  • Look for Damaged or Missing Rails: Examine rails for any breaks, cracks, or sections that have come loose.
  • Examine Wire Tension: Make sure the wires are tight and not sagging. Tension should be consistent across the entire fence line.
  • Check for Rust or Corrosion: Inspect metal parts for rust or corrosion that might weaken them over time.
  • Look for Broken or Bent Fencing Hardware: Examine nails, staples, and clips to ensure they’re secure and not rusted or bent.
  • Check Gate Functionality: Ensure gates open and close easily without dragging or catching and that latches are secure.
  • Inspect for Vegetation: Look for any plants, shrubs, or trees growing along or through the fence that could weaken or damage it.
  • Check for Animal Damage: Look for signs of livestock trying to push through, chew on, or rub against the fence.
  • Examine Corner and End Posts: Ensure that corner and end posts are braced and stable to prevent bowing or bending.
  • Look for Weather Damage: Check for storm damage, such as fallen branches or debris, that may have caused issues with the fence.

Wrapping up

So keep this in mind when selecting the fencing products you will use. Look for fencing materials you can easily maintain, such as wire fencing, which suffers less damage from the elements than wood. Your pocketbook and your neighbors will thank you.

If you are looking for more information, your local county extension office could be a good place to start. The NRCS department of the USDA has a fence technical guide that will provide some valuable information. Red Brand also has a series of very informative blogs about various fencing questions.