Pam - Economical electric fencing is a psychological barrier rather than a physical barrier. Of course, you can build a pretty nice physical barrier out of 12 guage hi-tensil electric fencing, but you're going to need 5-6 strands and, even then, it won't hold up to the impact of a CHARGING cow. But what's the chance of having a charging cow?
If the cattle are properly trained to the fence, the fence does not have to actually be turned on at all times. It's not Jurassic park, down there in cow town. Goats and pigs seem to have an innate ability to sense when the fence is off. They can be like cons waiting to make a break and they can be gone at a moments notice. (But, in my case, they all come back to the gate by sundown.) If you're paying attention, you should always be able to restore shock to your fence before the cattle shock you or an out of town motorist as they sashay down the highway. (This said, I have 3 angus heifers right now. One of them gets through my 4 strand aluminum fencing with disturbing frequency. Yes, sometimes she comes through it while it's ON. This didnt' used to bother me because I'd find her standing at the gate in the morning, waiting to get let in, but the last time I found she had wandered the 1/8 down the lane to the hwy and was moments from reaching it when I pulled in the gate. Scarey!! One Houdini cow will, by example, can create a herd of Houdini cows.) I would never start a livestock enterprise while relying on the permanence and condition of a neighbors fence. (Just as an aside for more optimistic readers, I would certainly never again assume I could keep goats inside of a hi-shock (Premier) electric fence. ) Rereading your article, I note that you equate electric fencing with easy-to-install posts of some kind. My electric fence is on 8inch corners and 4 inch line posts every 30 ft and I feel like I was skimping! (You can, however, plan on as much as 100ft between line posts if you are using high quality hi-tensile wire. You do need to put stringer posts every 10-20 ft, however. (They hold the wires in position but do not provide a physical barrier.) Above all else, make certain that you are purchasing halter-trained animals. Better to lead your heifer than to herd her! -Allan >I have been told that electric fencing works just fine, but the >owner here is concerned about power outages and the possibility of >cows running loose. >The long side of the pasture already has an electrified fence for >the horses next door. My plan is to fence off the front smaller part >of the pasture, which runs along the south side of the house and >grounds, and put the animals in there until after the hay is cut in >the bigger part. I can't see myself digging post holes for >traditional fencing, especially now with what appears to be a >cracked rib I suffered from a fall on Saturday. Can I rely on >electric fencing?
