Will the electric netting work for free range poultry?

Yes, in most cases as long as the birds are clipped wing or are a non-flying species like Cornish. The netting will also act as a predator deterrent. It doesn’t take much of an energizer to contain a chicken, but a mid-range charger is needed if there is also a predator issue.​​

Fencing costs are one of the most expensive aspects of livestock grazing. The type of fence constructed greatly impacts the cost per foot, total cost, and annual ownership cost.  In addition, the shape of the paddocks affects the amount of materials needed and labor required for construction of the fence.

This publication compares the costs of building a 1/4-mile (1,320 feet) straight perimeter fence with four different types of permanent fencing plus temporary interior fencing. These are: woven wire, barbed wire, high-tensile non-electric, high-tensile electrified, and temporary interior fencing. 

The type of fencing selected varies by personal choice and the species of livestock to be confined.  In general all configurations shown can be used with cattle, woven wire and high-tensile electrified can be used with sheep, and woven wire can be used with hogs.

The list of materials needed for each type of fencing is from Fencing Costs for Nebraska (see references at the end of the article).  Costs were adjusted to 2005 prices provided by a number of Iowa retailers, although prices may vary.  Labor was figured at $13.60 per hour, the average fence building labor charge reported in the 2005 Iowa Custom Rate Survey, FM-1698.  Gates have not been included in the estimates.

A set of Tru-Test livestock scales is an investment and you want to be sure to purchase the components to fit your needs and budget.

This season is a great time to add a set of scales to your ranch or upgrade your existing setup. 

Select the TRUTEST S1 scale for youth. Now only $999 and free shipping for a limited time only.

The energizer must deliver sufficient shock in proportion to the requirements placed on it. The power output should be selected based on the following calculations. Location of electric fence energizer (access to A/C power), type of animals, length of the above-ground or underground electric fence, number for strands of wire, conductivity of wire, vegetation present on the fence and soil conditions for grounding.

There are 3 components to a Tru-Test scale system – A high quality Tru-Test cattle and livestock scale system will help you collect and analyze data, making your farm and ranch business better at making livestock management and business decisions.

Scale Indicators 
Its the brains of a livestock weighing system. The indicator receives the weight from the load bars and displays it on screen. Some trutest models also store weights and animal IDs.

Load Bars
Load bars do the heavy work. When an animal steps into the chute or on the platform, they lock on to the weight, even as the animal is moving.

Weighing Platforms
Platforms are used in portable installations and are durable to support the weight of an animal but light enough to be easily moved.

Sustainable agriculture is a philosophy or an adopted attitude usually characterized by the intention to farm holistically, support and enhance communities and the local environment, and maintain continuous improvement and equity. In practice, it employs diverse farming practices that balance three main factors interchangeably without compromising the others: economic viability, environmental soundness and social responsibility. Sustainable farming is about longevity. It attempts to achieve the best possible agricultural result over the longest period of time.

Key Concepts

• Balance — maintaining an equilibrium between inputs and outputs surrounding economic conditions, environmental factors, and social consciousness.

• Continuous Improvement — providing crop yields while decreasing inputs necessary for future harvests, striving for zero soil loss and setting annual goals for improving quality.

• Diversity — fostering strength and resiliency through differentiation. Physical: various types of farms & locations Human: different races, ethnicities, and background of farmers Biodiversity: crop and livestock varieties Market: range of venues for sale and products

• Equity — providing workers with fair treatment and a healthy environment. Livestock are also treated humanely and raised in natural environments.

• Conservation — ensuring that resources such as land, water and soil taken from the land are put back into the ecosystem and available for future generations. Composting, for example, enhances soil quality by adding organic matter to the soil after an agricultural process has removed soil nutrients.

Energizers that are low impedance energizers have the ability to regulate their output and maintain a constant voltage supply to the fence even as the grounding and fence conditions deteriorate as well as increased vegetation contact. This means as more vegetation draws amperage from the electric fence (short circuiting or grounding the fence), a low impedance energizer will produce more energy or joules to overcome this loss due to plants while maintaining adequate levels for animal control.

1. How does an electric fence work?
2. How does a ground work?
3. How important is the grounding system?
4. How many grounding rods do I need to make my fence work? How do I install them?
5. How do I select the correct sized energizer?
6. What are volts, amps and joules?
7. What does low impedance mean?