The energizer is the heart of any electric-fence system, so select it carefully. A good unit will provide years of service if it is properly installed and maintained. Price should not be the determining factor. Many operators have started with farmstore specials that ended up crashing. The cost to purchase two or three cheap models is as much or more than the cost of purchasing a good one initially.

Purchase a low impedance Energizer with a minimum 5,000-volt output. It should produce 35-65 pulses per minute with each pulse lasting not more than 0.0003 seconds. Each pulse also should have an intensity of less than 300 m Amps.

Seek advice about energizers from experienced graziers, from sales people and from NRCS personnel. NRCS employees cannot recommend specific brands, but they can offer general advice. One of the best methods is to look at several operations similar to yours, and find out what those grazers are using and if they are happy with their units.

Consider the type of livestock to be controlled. For example, containing sheep, goats or horses may require special considerations for charger size and fence construction to ensure that the animals receive adequate shocks when they contact electric fences.

Purchase a larger unit (energizer) than you think you need because graziers usually expand their systems as they realize the benefits of modern electric fencing. Also increase the size of the energizer if you anticipate a high weed load near the fence. All energizers should come with manuals that explain installation and operation. Study the manual carefully.

Multispecies Grazing: Management Techniques & Animal Care [CRAFT]

Event Overview

Location

Deep Roots Valley Farm

1047 Irish Creek Rd

Mohrsville, PA 19541

Date & Time

Wednesday, July 11

3pm - 5:30pm

Cost

Free

Event Description

Learn how to manage a multi-species grazing system, including implementing succession grazing techniques and caring for each animal species from start to finish, at Deep Roots Valley. 

Deep Roots Valley directly markets its product to consumers and restaurants. Over the past seven years, owners and operators Will and Kelly Smith have worked to convert their fifth-generation family farm from a conventional crop operations to a multispecies grazing operation. They intensively graze approximately 60 head of beef cattle, pasture raise 2,000 laying hens, pasture 5,000 broilers, and finish 15 pigs on their 150-acre farm in Berks County.

CRAFT

CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) events are designed for aspiring and beginning farmers, but can nonetheless provide valuable opportunities for experienced farmers to glean insights from their peers.

Speaker Information

Will and Kelly both worked in the restaurant industry before returning to Kelly’s family farm. From the start, Will and Kelly have aspired to revamp the farm to raise the healthiest food possible to feed their family and surrounding community.

FAQ

Do you allow walk-ins?

Limited space is available for this event. Please contact Aaron de Long to see if space for walk-ins is available.

What should I prepare/bring with me to this event?

Please wear appropriate footwear for walking outside.

Bring a reusable water bottle to fill on site and stay hydrated.

Bring a note-taking device.

Remember your business cards- PASA events are an excellent networking opportunity.

Bring your questions! Make the most of this event by preparing several questions for the day.

Who do I contact if I have more questions about this event?

Please contact Aaron de Long at (814) 349-9856 x25 or aaron@pasafarming.org for more information about this event.

Keeping accurate weights is an essential part of keeping good records and making key management decisions.

Producers who work their cattle in a portable corral, pasture setup or even an older facility can still capture weights without the hassle of electricity.

The load bars/cells are connected to the indicator with a 16-ft cable – no electricity is needed! The scale indicator has a rechargeable internal battery, and a charger is included with the indicator purchase.