Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
There are two basic kinds of fence you need to consider — the perimeter fence
and interior fences. Because they serve different purposes, they are quite dif-
ferent beasts.
If you buy an old farm, the fences and buildings will probably need repairs.
You can work on the buildings after you get the sheep, but the perimeter
fences should be in good shape before you bring home your fi rst sheep. Sheep
quickly learn to jump sagging fences and to crawl through loose strands of
barbed wire. One loose sheep in the neighborhood (and there's usually more
than one) can be quite a problem, and sheep in a garden, especially if it hap-
pens to be a neighbor's garden, can be disastrous.
If you wait until sheep have the jumping habit, they may continue to jump
the fence after it is repaired. One jumper can set a bad example and should
be either sold or slowed down by temporary clogging. To clog, attach a piece
of wood to one front ankle with a strap — it gets in the way just enough to
prevent most jumpers from doing their thing.
Again, the best policy is to have at least your perimeter fences up, tight,
and ready to do their job before your sheep arrive. The investment in time,
money, and effort will more than pay for itself in sound sleep.
Fencing is a unique skill that takes time to master and is a book-length sub-
ject in its own right. There isn't enough space in this topic to do the topic justice,
so if this is going to be your fi rst fencing project, then I strongly recommend
THE IMPORTANCE OF FENCING
For any kind of livestock farmer, fencing is the most important
asset on the farm, and this is even truer for shepherds than for
those who are trying to raise cattle or horses. A well-constructed
perimeter fence serves two crucial purposes: it keeps your sheep
on your property, and it can help reduce the impacts of predators.
(By themselves, fences generally can't be expected to completely
eliminate predator problems. Chapter 5 talks more about predator
control, including the use of guard animals.) Interior fences don't
need to be nearly as substantial as the perimeter fence, because
interior fences are used for your convenience and to enhance your
management, so if the sheep get out of an interior fence, they'll
just graze another paddock a little sooner than you planned.