When it comes to running a farm, livestock fencing is one of the unsung heroes. However, fences face plenty of challenges—some expected, some surprising. Understanding the biggest threats to livestock fencing can save you headaches, money, and livestock. Let’s dig into the culprits that can turn a sturdy fence into a pasture-side disaster.
1. Wildlife: Nature’s Fence Wreckers
Local wildlife doesn’t care about your carefully planned barrier. Deer, coyotes, and even wild boars can wreak havoc:
- Jumpers and diggers: Deer might leap right over, while coyotes or boars dig underneath, creating holes and weak points.
- Climbers and scratchers: Raccoons and bears can climb or lean on fences, loosening or breaking wires.
Wildlife-friendly fencing, like flexible wires that give under pressure, can reduce damage.
2. Your Own Livestock: Yes, They’re a Threat Too
Your animals are often the main culprits behind fencing woes.
- Leaning: Cows and horses love leaning on fences to scratch that hard-to-reach spot, gradually pushing them out of alignment.
- Escaping: Curious goats and determined sheep will find gaps and test weak spots. Once one animal escapes, others follow.
- Stampedes: Startled herds can plow through fencing, leaving a path of destruction.
Regular maintenance and sturdy corner posts can help withstand the abuse. Electric fences are particularly effective for teaching animals to keep their distance.
3. Technology Trouble: Energizers Gone Wrong
For electric fences, the energizer is the heartbeat. Without it, the fence is just a fancy obstacle course for determined livestock.
- Underpowered energizers: A weak energizer means livestock won’t respect the zap.
- Poor grounding: Without proper grounding, the electric current can fail entirely.
- Vegetation interference: Overgrown grass and bushes can short out the system, reducing its effectiveness.
Solution: Choose an energizer with enough joules for the fence’s length and keep vegetation trimmed along the fence line.
4. Soil and Grounding Issues: The Invisible Saboteur
The soil under your fence plays a huge role in its effectiveness, particularly for electric fences.
- Dry or rocky soil: Poor conductivity can limit the effectiveness of electric systems.
- Improper grounding rod spacing: Ground rods placed too close together or insufficient in length won’t do their job.
Ensure rods are galvanized, spaced out, and buried deep enough to make solid contact with moist soil. In dry conditions, adding water to the soil around the rods can improve conductivity.
Final Thoughts
Remember, a little effort now can save a whole lot of chasing runaway animals!
