Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
CHOOSE FENCE POSTS CAREFULLY
Fence posts are treated to make them durable and resistant to rot and insects. Because
dairy goats might gnaw on them, pay careful attention to the chemicals used to treat the
wood. Pentachlorophenol is effective in preventing decay and insect damage but contains
carcinogenic compounds called dioxins. Posts treated with creosote may damage the hides
of sensitive livestock.
High-tensile wire fencing
High-tensile fencing, developed in New Zealand, uses several strands of smooth wires held
along posts, or combinations of posts and spacers called battens, stays, or droppers. This fen-
cing system uses smooth 12 ½-gauge wire with yield strength of 1,600 pounds. (A conven-
tional 12 ½-gauge wire will yield at tensile force of less than 500 pounds and break at less
than 550 pounds.) Each wire is stretched with 250 pounds of tension, maintained by perman-
ent in-line stretchers or tension springs. The higher tension in the wire reduces sagging but re-
quires using strong end- and corner-brace assemblies. High-tensile fencing is less expensive
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