Different types of cattle fence material
1. Barbed Wire
For cattle holding, four to six strands are of barbed wire used for perimeter and cross fencing. This type of fence has been in use for over 150 years. The first patent for barbed wire in America was issued in 1867. It is still the preferred choice of livestock owners today because it uses the best materials and does the job. Cattle fence, like all things, is subject to technological advancements over time.
Price – Although barbed wire is often regarded as the most affordable, it can still be expensive. Barbed wire fencing jobs can be difficult because of the distance between T-posts (10-12 feet) and the need for stays or stiffeners. A lot of material can mean more maintenance and a higher initial cost.
Performance: The sharp barbs can cause injury to people and animals, especially horses because they are notoriously hard to see. A serious concern is that feral hogs can be destructive pests and will eat almost any species of native wildlife. Acorns are a key food source for black bears, deer, and turkeys in the fall, so they also compete with native wildlife. Their rooting or wallowing behaviors can ruin landscapes and pollute streams and ponds. Barbed wire is not recommended for large animals, except livestock. A traditional 5-strand barbed-wire fence can be easily accessed by wild hogs or other predators. This fence is not ideal as feral hogs continue to grow and cause more property damage. Landowners have tried to improve this barrier over the years using 6-strand fencing with 6-foot T-posts. These additional measures may initially be successful in repelling wild hogs and other animals. However, the fences are weak and low-tensile, so they fail over time. It is smart to consider versatility if you are planning to sell your property in the future. Barbed wire can be used for cattle but is not suitable for horse lovers who are concerned about their horses getting entangled or injured. You should carefully consider the fencing type you choose if you are considering resale.
Maintenance: The greatest drawback to barbed wire fences is their high maintenance costs. You will soon find a broken barbed wire fence if you drive through rural America. The fence can become unsafe over time due to wear and tear from livestock, wild dogs, coyotes, deer, and other animals.
Longevity: The standard barbed wire fence with Class 1 Galvanization should last for at least 15 years if it is maintained properly.
2. Hinged-Joint and “Field Fence”
In some areas of the country, barbed wire has been replaced by “field fencing”, which is made of hinged-joint metal. Field fencing has smaller openings which make it more difficult for unwelcome visitors to enter. It contains more wire per square foot. Field fencing is a better choice for ranchers who have other livestock than cattle. Horses, sheep, and other animals are also less likely to get tangled. The hinged-joint fence has its limitations.
Cost- Although materials and labor for a hinged joint field fence cost about the same as high-tensile wire mesh or barbed wire, their lifespan is shorter, making them a more expensive option.
Performance: Field fencing, like barbed wire, can become corroded and damaged if it is not maintained regularly. Two main problems with field fencing are that it can easily lose its shape and its weaker wires can be damaged by weathering, pressure, and rust. Because the hinged joints and wires made from low-carbon steel are weak, feral hogs can easily wreak havoc in common field fencing material. This type of fencing is not as useful due to its inherent weaknesses in material and construction. The long-term performance is more important than the initial cost savings.
Maintenance: Hinged joints can slip and won’t return to their original form when livestock, feral animals, or predators press against fences. Wildlife can use this weakness to make small holes in large openings. These older fences are made of soft metal that has not been properly galvanized and is prone to rust. This reduces their life expectancy and can lead to fence failure. Field fences are still better than barbed wire in certain respects but require more long-term maintenance.
Longevity: The standard hinged joint fence wire fence with Class 1-galvanized in normal use and under average climate conditions should last for at least 10 years.
3. High-Tensile Fixed Knot Wire
Ranchers and property owners have been using the next-generation cattle fencing solution for over 10 years. It has proven to be the most cost-effective and reliable. Fixed-knot, high-tensile cattle fences are great for livestock control. They outperform traditional hinged-joint and barbed wire in all applications with superior durability, flexibility, and safety. Furthermore, fixed-knot fences are more durable than other fencing types, saving landowners money and time on repairs and replacement. This makes them the best value fence and most affordable.
COST OF THE BEST FENCE TO CATTLE
A critterfence choice of the best cattle fence is often based on a value equation. The high-tensile, fixed knot Class 3 fences offer significant value. These superior fencing materials are significantly cheaper to install and maintain over the long-term than either Class 1 or 2 barbed wire fences. Fixed-knot fencing costs less than barbed wire due to the 20-foot spacing between the posts. There are no fence stays or stiffeners and there are fewer intermediate posts. This fence material is available on critterfence.com, in rolls of 330 feet or 660 feet. This makes it easier to install long runs than installing wires individually. The fixed-knot fence is easy to maintain and can be used for both time and money. A high-tensile fixed-knot fence has a life expectancy of up to two to three years, which is more than the typical low-carbon wire and hinged joint fencing.
