Farm Fence Ideas
Keeping things safe and secure is something many hometeaders think of and this list of farm fence ideas will help you to do just that. Protect and section off the different areas of your farm so your setup is more organized.
Add this to your list of Homesteading tips so you can choose the best fence for each area.
Whether you are a rural homesteader with acres of land or an urban gardener making the most of a quarter-acre plot, understanding the important role fences play is important. Fences not only set boundaries of the different areas you have, but they also help to keep things protected from outside pests.
With so many options on the market to choose from, deciding what will do the job best can be overwhelming. To help, we will break down each area of a homestead and give a few key options, and finish up with a list of pros and cons so you can decide what will work best for you. From gardening to livestock we will give an overview of each.
The Homestead Need for Fences
Fences might not be the most glamorous part of a homestead, but they’re function makes them the most valuable. Their main role is to protect what is inside so it can be more successful playing it’s role in a family homestead.
- Gardens – To keep our deer, rabbits, chickens, and pets.
- Chickens – To protect them from predators and to keep them contained so they do not damage gardens.
- Livestock – To protect them from predators and to keep them contained.
- Property – To establish boundaries.
- Fruit trees – To keep out animals and protect the fruit.
Fences can keep a homestead more organized because it tells you what belongs where so it will not overgrow into another area crowding things out.
Choosing Fences best farm fence for each purpose
Selecting the right fence is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Your first step is to understand why you need a fence and what you hope to accomplish with it. Are you seeking protection from a specific type of animal, or is the fence more about outlining areas and keeping order?
When deciding, consider these questions:
- Purpose: Is the fence for security, containment, or for sectioning off?
- Livestock: What kind of animals do you own, and what specific requirements do they have?
- Budget: The cost of materials and labor will need to fit into your budget.
- Durability: How long do you expect the fence to last, and what upkeep are you comfortable with?
Let’s look at each of the four main areas for fencing and what options you can consider for your setup.
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1. Garden Fence Ideas
Garden fencing is meant to protect the food you are growing. From a traditional garden, to straw bale setups, and orchards.
- Picket Fences: These offer a classic look and give suitable protection against small animals and children.
- Wire Fencing: A cost-effective solution to keep out rabbits, deer, and groundhogs.
- Chainlink Fencing: This option is ideal for larger areas and offers good protection against deer and pets.
2. Large Livestock Fence Ideas
You will need to having fencing for grazing areas that your larger animals will live in. Animals like horses, alpacas, llamas, and cattle.
- High-Tensile Fences: An affordable to fence in a very large area of pasture and an effective way to contain large animals.
- Woven Wire Fences: Works well for containment without using electricity.
- Wood Fences: Offering an attractive solution that most animals will adhere to, they are also quite durable.
3. Small Animal Fence Options
When housing smaller animals such as goats and sheep, smaller fencing solutions will work great. If you have large livestock as well, you can house all your animals together.
- Electric Netting: Our favorite way to contain our animals that is effective, affordable, and easy to move if needed.
- Steel Panels: Provide sturdy containment solution for small areas.
- Wood Fences: Can be used in a pinch but we have found this option is not the best at keeping curious goats inside.
More Goat Fence Options:
4. Backyard Chicken Fence Ideas
Chickens can wreak havoc on flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Fencing solutions here should account for the birds’ unique tendencies:
- Poultry Netting: Specifically designed to keep chickens in and predators out.
- Hardware Cloth: A strong, small-gauge wire mesh that works well.
- Electric Netting: Companies are now making this type of fence specifically for chickens and we find it works quite well. Also, you do not need to electrify this fence as the holes are too small for your birds to get through. This will save you a bit of money if you choose this option.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Fencing
When deciding on which fence to use there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Security and Safety: Fences must keep safe what they’re meant to protect, whether it’s livestock, growing plants, or children.
- Ease of Installation: Your fencing choice should be realistic in terms of ease of setup, especially if you’re new to homesteading or have physical limitations.
- Cost: Keep in mind not only the initial cost, but any routine maintenance costs as well.
- Upkeep: Will the fence require regular inspection, or yearly repairs to keep it in working order?
In the farming and homesteading world, fences really do matter. Be sure to keep in mind the purpose of the fence in each area and choose the best option. Matching throughout is not the goal of a fence, but instead to do the job you want it to effectively.
Whether you want to protect your garden or keep your goats from wreaking havoc on your neighbors flowers, fencing play an important role. Refer to this list of farm fence ideas whenever you need to update or setup a new fence on your homestead.
