Cattle & Livestock Fencing

The good news is that most common types of fences work well with cattle and livestock operations. Fence life, maintenance requirements, ease of construction and cost are the key factors to a well planned livestock fencing strategy.

Cattle like to rub and push on fences. (This is probably due to the fact that grass always seems to look greener on the other side of any fenced pasture) Typically, a 4 or 5 strand barbed wire fence is a good deterrent to rubbing / pushing and prevents damage to your fence. Barbed wire is often the best choice where electrified high tensile fences are not practical. Cattle pasture fences generally should be at least 4 and half foot high with steel or wooden posts placed every 15 to 30 feet. (5 foot fences with heavier gauge panel wire and/or pipe & cable fencing are recommended for penned bulls).

Wire fences are commonly galvanized to provide rust resistance and thereby increase fence life. Galvanized wires are “class” rated based on the amount of zinc coating: Class 1 has the lightest and Class 3 the heaviest. As you might expect, Class 3 galvanized wire fencing is more expensive than Class 1 but lasts much longer and is especially well suited for more humid climates.

In recent years high-tensile wire fencing has been gaining popularity with cattle operations providing a new option to time tested barbed wire fence. High tensile strength smooth wire fencing is strong, long lasting and is a very adaptable livestock fencing option. Beef and dairy cattle pastures will typically have a multi stranded 5 wire fence with one or more of the wires insulated so they can be electrified. Electrifying high tensile wire fences improves livestock holding capabilities and provides a measure of predator deterrence. (Note: Never electrify a barbed wire fence) 6 to 10 wires are recommended for high capacity livestock stocking areas such as holding pens and feedlots. Insulated steel, fiberglass or wooden posts spacing with high-tensile wire fencing is generally 25 to 40 feet.

The high tensile wire fencing option does have some increased risks of livestock entanglement and injury due to the wider post spacing and reduced fence line visibility. If your application requires, visibility problems are easily overcome with fence spacers, electric ribbon, fence flags or closer posts spacing.

Complete your livestock fencing project with custom made steel pipe gates, pens, corrals, stalls and cattle guards. Our steel pipe cattle guards are designed to withstand heavy use and are available in standard 8' wide by 12' to 16' long or custom sizes to meet your specific ranch needs.