How Do You Install Stock Fencing?
Fences may be used to protect or divide property, improve its appearance, confine livestock or exclude predators. In agriculture, fences and gates play an important role in the daily running of the farm. Fences ensure that sections of arable and grazing land are fenced off and that the perimeter of your property is secure. Building stock fencing that will survive the rigours of farm life means getting it right the first time.
Building the Perfect Stock Fencing Barrier 
Before building, get a rough idea of where you will install your straining posts, standards, corner posts and gates. This will determine the amount of wire, posts and standards needed for the project.
Posts Provide Stability
When the posts are placed into position, the straining posts should not be more than 500 metres apart. The fence should be pulled tightly between the straining posts and the line between them must be relatively straight. Standards can be 12 to 16 metres apart. Where they are spaced 12 meters apart, only three droppers are needed between standards. If the spacing is further apart, it is preferable to use 4 droppers. Make sure that the posts are at least one-third to half the post’s height above the ground. The straining posts and corners must be stabilised, and corner posts need to be used for every directional change.
Importance of Wire Strands
The distance between the wire strands when installing stock fencing is dependent on the livestock that needs to be fenced. Run a strand of plain wire between the posts approximately 2.5 cm off the ground. This gives you a line to work with for the rest of the posts and is an inexpensive way of raising the fence height.
For cattle, sheep and goat farming, a 5-strand single or double barbed wire fence is sufficient. To tighten the wire between standards, create a hitch or twist-tie by looping the wire around itself and using a lever to twist it tight. The distance between the strands should be a minimum of 12 cm. Adequate tension needs to be applied on the wire, as it can be damaged and possibly break if too tight. The height of the fence should be up to the specific animal’s shoulder height. For cattle, this could be done at around 1.2metres.
Leave Your Fencing to the Professionals
Almost anyone can give DIY stock fencing a go, but if you prefer to leave it to the professionals, contact Chemvet Steel & Fencing. We have been manufacturing quality steel and fencing products for over 40 years. Just remember the golden rule of livestock farms, close the gates!
