Options For Fencing Rural Property For Farming Or Ranching

Now that you have purchased a parcel of bare land to build the future farm or ranch of your dreams, it's important you think about how to fence it. Fencing is necessary to prevent problems with trespassing, contain livestock, and delineate property lines. The correct type of fencing for your rural property depends on many factors. The first, and most important, is any local building restrictions you must adhere to.

Fencing Restrictions in Your Local Area

Before making any further decisions about your new fence, you need to determine which fencing options are allowed in your area. For example, some counties have special building codes regarding fencing rural land. In addition, property owners' associations often have their own rules and regulations you must follow if your land is within one. Once you have a clear understanding of any fencing restrictions, then you need to decide what type of fence is right for your ranchland.

Ranchland Fencing Types and Considerations

The right type of fencing for your property may be the same or different than the fencing used for the surrounding properties. The defining factors are generally the purpose of the fence and the aesthetics of how it will look. For example, if your fence needs to keep horses or cattle in a pasture, then tight-mesh, woven-wire fencing is ideal. If you won't have any livestock and want a high-end looking fence, then a wood rail fence is a great option. However, if the only purpose of the fence is to delineate the property line, then using barbed wire makes a lot of sense because it is by far the cheapest and easiest to install option.

Woven-Wire Fencing

If you need a fence that can safely contain livestock, then a woven-wire fence is the way to go. The mesh size should be small enough the livestock can't put their appendages through the holes. This will prevent entrapment injuries. To install a wire-mesh fence, rolls of mesh are unrolled and attached to wooden posts cemented into the ground. While wire-mesh fences are more expensive than wire fencing, they look great and work well for livestock of all types.

Wire Fencing

Finally, if you simply need to delineate your property line or want a basic fence to deter trespassing, then a barbed-wire fence is the cheapest and best option. However, if you will have any livestock, domestic pets, or children near the fence, then using smooth wire is a better option to prevent injuries.

Reach out to your local fencing contractor to learn more about your options.