Electric fencing can be used in many situations to effectively deter predators from various attractants. Applications include: beehives, fruit orchards, hunting camps, livestock enclosures, landfills and grain sheds.

Electric fences are easily adapted to most applications and can be installed temporarily or permanently. These fences are relatively easy to maintan and economical to build. However, they require routine inspection and maintenance to ensure proper operation and protection capability.

How an electric fence works

For electricity to flow in a system, such as an electric fence, there must be a complete and uninterrupted (closed) circuit. The electrical current must travel from its source (fence energizer) through the circuit (fence) and back to the source. This flow only occurs when a charged wire of the fence becomes grounded.

Under normal operating conditions, an electric fence functions as an incomplete (open) circuit with repeating pulses of electricity generated by the energizer sent through the charged wires of the fence. When an animal touches a charged wire, it grounds the fence, creating a closed circuit. An electrical pulse travels through the animal and back to the energizer, delivering a shock to the animal.

The electric shock is unpleasant to animals (and humans, too), but is not lethal. However, if an animal gets caught in a fence for an extended period, it may dies of stress. An electric fence is humane, since it can only shock the animal if it persists in making contact; once the contact is broken, the fence does not 'spit' at the animal.

Other objects and materials including vegetation, sticks, fallen trees and non-insulated posts in contact with charged wires can also create a partial or total closed circuit. This partial or closed circuit can result in a reduced electrical charge (voltage) and an inadequate shock to repel predators that contact charged wires of the fence. Fences should be checked and maintained regularly to address this potential problem.

Electric Fence Designs

An effective electric fence for predator control consits of:

• a source of the high-voltage signal, called an "energizer", that may be operated by a solar cell, a batter or, peferably, may be plugged into the domestic system -this generates short, highly peaked pulses of elctricity
  
   

• a live wire, or wires, of high tensile steel that carry the pulses around the enclosed area
  
   

• posts, that can be made of cedar, steel, or fiberglass, depending on budget and topography
  
   

• a grounding system, starting at the energizer, one side of whose output is grounded through a system of low resistance ground rods, which should be carried along with the live wire around the enclosed area
  
   

• insulation, to insulate the live wire from accidentl contact with the ground, whish would short it out, and render it ineffective
  
   

• tension springs on long stretches, to limit the mechanical tension in the wires as they contract when air temperature drops
  
   

• lightning protectors, since the live wires are exposed to lighning strokes and induction from power lines

For more detailed information on fence design and fence line selection and preparation:

The Living with Wildlife Foundation has prepared an excellent Electric Fencing Guide which contains information about electric fencing designs that can be used to help deter predators, including bears, mountain lions and wolves. Click to download.

Download - Protecting Livestock from Predation with Electric Fences, an Agri-Facts publication from the Alberta Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Download - Tech Tips on Electric Fence Systems, a publication of USDA Forest Service
 

Landfills

Electrifying your landfill should, not only be mandatory, but should be one of your first considerations. A well-designed and properly installed electric fence will prevent bears from accessing your landfill. There are some special considerations that should be considered when electrifying such a highly attractive site. You will need to consider bears digging underneath the fence. To prevent digging, you can lay down horizontal fencing one foot below the surface.

Bears also have a habit of entering the gate when it is left open and often get caught inside. There are a couple of options to prevent access through open gates: (1) automatic sliding gates that open and close when the weight of a vehicle passes over the entrance, and (2) electrified cattle grate entrance. Of these two options, the second will be more effective and easier from a human-use standpoint.

We started our first ranch in Costa Rica about 35 years ago, in 1980.  We began by raising Brahman cattle like everyone else.  Brahman are known for their ability to thrive in hot tropical climates.  And they have a relatively huge, meaty rump compared to other cattle breeds.  But Brahman are not known for tender meat.

        So about 15 years ago, we began a quest to create cattle hybrids that maintained the tropical heat tolerance and large rump of the Brahman, but also incorporated the superior meat quality of the European cattle breeds.

        We started by importing Red Angus genetics from the renowned 5L Ranch in Montana.  The bull we used is called Norseman King, and he is one of the most-impressive examples of the breed.

        The offspring from this genetic cross are very impressive animals.  They are long, well structured, extremely fertile, as well as very gentle and curious.  The cows from this cross are especially good mothers.

        The introduction of Red Angus into our herd was an enormous leap forward in terms of meat quality.  But then, a little more than 4 years ago, we had an opportunity to dramatically improve meat quality again, by acquiring semen from 4 different bloodlines of Japanese Wagyu.

        You may not recognize the breed name, Wagyu, but you probably recognize the term “Kobe beef.” Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle raised in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture.  Kobe is more like a trademark — only meat from Wagyu cattle raised in Hyogo can be called Kobe.

        We chose Wagyu cattle because this breed has some interesting and unique characteristics.  They have the highest genetic propensity to produce marbled meat.  Marbling is what makes beef tender, juicy, and flavorful.

        Wagyu meat is also unique in that it has the highest “good fat to bad fat” ratio of all the cattle breeds.  It is also extremely rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.  It is so unusually healthier than other beef that some people describe it as the “olive oil of animal fats.”

        Today, we have more than 1,100 cattle on our ranches.  Of those, only the very best will be selected for our artisan beef program.  They are then given additional pampering and care, and we maintain extremely strict health protocols for them.  If one of these animals is ever injured or ill, and requires a life-saving treatment of antibiotics, it is then removed from our artisan beef program.

        Just to be absolutely clear … all of the beef we sell under the Hacienda Sur name is guaranteed to have never had any contact whatsoever with antibiotics.  Never.

        We guarantee the same for hormones. Some cattle producers give their animals growth hormones so they grow faster and bigger.  Others give their cows estrogen so they all come into heat at the same time.  We completely disagree with both practices.  We have never used hormones on our cattle, and we never will.

Use a well made drone from DJI on your farm to find missing cattle and livestock! Its a great way to keep an eye on your property and check hard to acccess areas of your farm. Check fences quickly with a new DJI Drone like the Mavic Pro

Speedrite Electric Fence Energizers offered by Valley Farm Supply was established in 2004 by Lancaster County local, John “JC” Remsberg, to provide quality farming supplies and equipment. The supply store warehouse is located in New Providence, PA. However, they provide service to professional farmers and hobby farmers throughout the country and internationally. Valley Farm Supply was initially started as a concept through eBay®, but as demand grew, so did the business. Over the years, one thing has been constant – the friendly, knowledgeable service you receive.

They offer a comprehensive website, from their catalog of great quality products to helpful guides, you will find everything you need to make your farm or ranch successful. They offer YouTube videos on how to install fencing for your farm and guides you on which brand or type of equipment is best for your needs. Or if you are still having trouble deciding what you need, you can give them a call at 717-786-0368 or send them an email.

JC’s knowledge regarding farming supplies is unparalleled. Working in the farm industry, before becoming a wholesale dealer, gives JC the advantage that big box farming stores just don’t have.

JC talked with me about countless stories, where customers have looked to Tractor Supply Company® and other larger stores for help, only to end up dissatisfied. In one case, a customer called looking for fencing to keep bears from getting into his farm. The grade of fencing from Tractor Supply Company® did not hold up to the test. This customer was just starting out his Beekeeping ventures and had 10,000 honey bees. JC was able to get him durable fencing that would work keeping the bears at bay, and sent him videos guiding him on how to install it correctly.

Valley Farm Supply is also one of the largest wholesale dealers for Gallagher® equipment. In addition, they carry many other brands of truest, speedrite, staff, patriot, and cyclops electric fencing, livestock watering systems and grazing supplies. Being one of the largest dealers in the Northeastern USA, they are able to pass amazing savings on to their customers.

Valley Farm Supply prides itself in quick, reliable service. They have never lost focus on providing the same great customer service that they started with in 2004. If you need help with your farming supplies or would like to learn more, please visit their website today.

Please patronize our business partners and request more information on how they can help you or your business. Valley Farm Supply partners with our store on Lancaster Pike in Quarryville, PAand has been a tenant with Moove In for five years. We value their local businesses as part of our growing community.

If your business or non-profit organization could use additional storage space, you can rent a storage unit online now or contact us for more information. Our knowledgeable property managers will gladly provide you with the best storage solution for your needs.

Missouri's fence and boundary laws continue to raise questions from landowners throughout the state. The following will discuss some common questions related to fences and boundaries.

1. Does the law allow landowners to clear 10 feet on each side of the boundary fence? Missouri has had the tradition of cleaning out 10 feet on each side to maintain the fence for over 100 years. Unfortunately, it is a tradition and not a law so legally, no, you cannot if the neighbor opposes. It makes good sense to do so since trees and brush may obstruct the fence and either landowner could be held liable by the other for repair of the fence.
2. Should a new fence automatically be placed on the surveyed line if there is a survey? This is a common misconception and occurs often. If a fence has been in place for 10 years or more, then it becomes the boundary line in all likelihood. It is known as "adverse possession" and is a legal term and court process. A new landowner who had a survey done cannot move the fence to where the survey is, in the case of an existing fence of more than 10 years, without a neighbor's consent. If no fence is in place, then the fence can be placed on the survey line. Alternatives include a mutual agreement among neighbors or including specific wording on both deeds. Joe Koenen, ag business specialist in Putnam County can be contacted for this specific wording.
3. If livestock is not owned, who is responsible for the boundary fence? The answer depends on the county the land is located. The updated general fence law states landowners who do not own livestock are not legally required to contribute to a boundary fence. Ninety-five counties in Missouri currently have adopted the updated general fence law. Nineteen counties have opted out of the general law and are local option fence law counties. In these counties, if one landowner requires a boundary fence because of the possession of livestock, then the other(s) are legally obligated to contribute and pay for their portion.
4. Is it a good idea to place a fence inside the property line if an agreement between neighbors cannot be made? A fence needs to be on the property line for several good reasons. First, it serves as the boundary line. Second and more importantly, if the fence is erected ten or twenty feet inside the property line, one may have avoided paying for half of the neighbor's fence in general law counties, but it comes at a potentially high cost. If the fence within the property line stays there for ten years or more and the neighbor utilizes it somehow (pasture, hunt, cut wood) then ownership may change under adverse possession.
5. If one cannot afford one-half of the fence then who is responsible? The law is very clear as far as who is responsible for building and maintaining a boundary fence. The fact someone does not have the funds currently does not matter. In those cases, one will have to work out something with the neighbor or a lender.
6. The neighbor wants a woven wire fence, who is responsible for extra fence costs? If one is required to contribute to the fence, the law specifies the contribution of a legal fence depending on the general or option law. One is still required to pay for what one-half of the legal fence cost but anything above that (woven wire, fifteen foot tall fence, etc.) would be the total cost of the neighbor requiring it.

Missouri's fence law is very complicated and can be confusing. It is critical to know the county's fence law. University of Missouri Extension has two guides on the law, guide 811 Missouri's Fencing and Boundary Laws: Frequently Asked Questions (http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G811) and guide 810 Missouri's Fencing and Boundary Laws (http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G810). Joe Koenen can be contacted for specific questions at 660) 947-2705 or email koenenj@missouri.edu

Source: Joe Koenen, Ag Business Specialist

A Speedrite solar fence charger is the main thing in a solar-powered electric fence system.

It is also called a solar energizer or solar fencer, and it belongs to one of the three main categories of fence chargers.

Speedrite Solar fence chargers are rated based on their level of current output. This current is transmitted through a series of electric wires that form a grounded closed circuit.

This means that the speedrite fence system is grounded and its wire and fencer form a complete circuit.

This ensures that there is current always flowing through the uninsulated wires as long as the fencer is working, and these live wires can give an electric shock to any animal, person, or bird that comes in contact with it.

The amount of current flowing through the fencer system determines the degree of charge given. This can range from simple non-lethal shock to (potentially) fatal electrocution.

This way, the electric fence serves as a deterrent or barriers against encroachment by animals or people into a fenced-off area.

check us out for your electric fence needs.

We know your farm depends on high quality products and services to keep it profitable and sustainable. Trust the better electric fence controllers from Speedrite electric fencing to be you choice of fence energizer.

Speedrite is better made.

Speedrite has more power option.

Speedrite has more choices of model and functions.

Speedrite is a better value.

Speedrite is a better price and others.

visit our website, www.speedritechargers.com to learn more about electric fencing, livestock management, or to share your knowledge of farming and ranching.

Check out our large selection of Speedrite fencers made by Trutest, inc from New Zealand.

We got a message from a woman who had no idea that perimeter fencing to contain cattle did not have to be permanent. It seems like a good idea to opt for temporary fencing to make sure that your terrain is grazed equally. It is great that there is the option to change scenes for your cattle so their living space is not over grazed. 

Please ask us if you need help with your electric fence plans and layout on your farm.