Fencing for Livestock

What does a fence have to do?

A livestock fence keeps animals in, keeps some predators and neighbors' animals out, and marks boundaries. It also has to be safe for the animals and the people who work around it.

No fence stops every animal. Fences work by being a barrier animals respect or cannot get through, and they work best when animals are well fed and have water, shelter and company. Think about animals' ages and sizes too. A fence that holds adults may not stop kids, lambs or chicks, and a fence built for one species may be unsafe for another. A fence that is too low, too loose or too weak teaches animals to push, and that habit is hard to undo.

Which fence type suits which animals?

Woven wire suits goats, sheep and many small animals, while strong board, pipe or cable suits horses and cattle where safety and strength matter. Electric fences work as a training barrier for many species, and they often cost less than permanent options.

Poultry and rabbits need fences that stop digging and flying and keep out predators. Pigs push and root, so they test fencing hard. Ask your extension office and neighbors what holds your species in your area. Where a fence crosses a ditch, creek or wet spot, plan a crossing that holds up to water and debris. These are common places for escapes and for washouts after storms.

• Woven wire: small ruminants and general use
• Board or rail: horses, where visibility and safety matter
• Electric: training barrier and rotational grazing
• Poultry netting or covered runs: birds and predator defense

How should I plan the layout?

Draw your property and mark water, shade, buildings and gates first. Plan paths that let you move animals and vehicles without opening three gates. Straight lines cost less than curves, and fewer corners mean less work.

Think about the future. A layout that allows you to split a field into paddocks later can save money. Walk the route before you buy a single post. Stakes and string show where trees, rocks, utility lines and low areas will cause trouble, and call your utility locating service before digging.

What about corners, gates and posts?

Corners and gates carry the most strain, so they are where fences fail first. Strong, well-set corner assemblies hold the line, and gates should be wide enough for equipment and hang so animals cannot get a head or leg caught.

Use posts suited to your soil and climate. Setting posts well matters more than the brand of wire. If you are unsure, ask a local fence contractor or your extension office. Hardware gets overlooked. Latches that animals can open, hinges that sag and chains that rust all become daily annoyances, so choose sturdy fittings and put them where you can reach them easily. If you plan to use fence charger wire later, ask a dealer which post and insulator choices work with both wire and electric, so you do not have to rebuild.

What does fencing really cost?

Cost categories include posts, wire or boards, gates, hardware, tools, equipment rental, labor if you hire help, and upkeep. Call local suppliers for current quotes and avoid relying on general numbers.

Programs through USDA Farm Service Agency and NRCS sometimes help with conservation fencing. Ask your local office whether anything applies to your situation. Buy in an order that makes sense. Corner and gate material first, then line posts, then wire, and keep receipts, since you may need records for a cost-share program.

How do I keep fences in good shape?

Walk the fence line regularly, especially after storms and in the weeks after you put new animals in. Fix loose wire, leaning posts and trouble spots before animals find them.

Keep brush, fallen limbs and tall weeds off the line. Dispose of old wire and staples safely, since loose wire can hurt animals and people. Teach everyone who helps on the farm to close gates and report weak spots. Most escapes come from a gate left open, not from a broken fence.

What should I do first before building?

Mark the fence line with stakes and string, list what each animal needs from the fence, and get a few local quotes for posts, wire and gates. Ask neighbors who keep the same animals what they would change.

Decide the order of work and set aside time and help. Fence building is heavy work, and rushing it leads to weak corners and repairs that cost more than doing it right the first time.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.