Farmers Hot Line - National August 2025 | Page 15

Field-Tested Fencing drivers( among others)— means using the correct tools, speeds things up and gives a better long-term result.
“ It’ s amazing how much smoother things go when people plan ahead— just walking the fence line first can save hours of work,” Horetsky adds.“ It sounds simple, but it’ s the kind of advice that pays off in the field.”
What Herd Pressure Really Means
Herd pressure refers to the physical and behavioral stress animals place on fencing.
• Cattle: Lean and push— high-tensile holds up, especially with a top rail or electric offset.
• Goats: Will climb or squeeze through— woven wire with small openings is best.
• Horses: Need high visibility— avoid small openings that could trap hooves.
• Pigs: Root under— buried aprons or boards can block their digging behavior.
“ Knowing your animals is just as important as choosing your fence,” Horetsky says.“ Goats will test your patience and your fence line. Horses need different considerations altogether. That’ s where product knowledge really makes a difference.”
Lessons From the Land
• Install in dry weather when the ground holds posts well.
• Go deeper than you think with your corner and gate posts— frost heave and herd pressure will test them.
• Step your fence or contour the wire to the land on uneven terrain.
• Check gate width— plan for equipment and trailers.
Maintenance Is Inevitable— Plan for It
Walk the line seasonally. Check for broken wires, loose staples or leaning posts. Keep vegetation trimmed to reduce pressure and visibility issues. Invest in a fence tester, ratchet tensioners and a small set of tools you can toss in a truck or an all-terrain vehicle.
Final Thought: Use What Works— and What Lasts
Farmers know that cutting corners up front leads to bigger problems later. Whether you’ re managing livestock, wildlife or both, the right fence is the one that does its job year after year— without demanding constant attention.
“ We talk to farmers every day who want peace of mind,” Horetsky says.“ When you invest in the right materials from the start, you’ re buying years of confidence— not just a product.”
Choose quality materials. Follow proven methods. And most importantly, lean on the voices of experience. Because when it comes to fencing, success is built one post at a time.
Have questions about the best fence for your needs? Contact the experts at Trident Fence at 866-290-0244 or visit the website( www. tridentfence. com).
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