Producers who have shied away from using electric fences on their pastures should think again, says a Manitoba Agriculture grassland technician.
“It’s one of the better things to come along for farmers in a long time,” Hans Rindlisbacher said.
He said proper installation can solve problems that may have scared away farmers in the past, such as broken wires and breaks in electric current.
Speaking at Manitoba Ag Days held Jan. 18-20 in Brandon, he offered advice for building a reliable electric fence.
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- The wires do not need to be drawn as tight as a fiddle string.
“You want the fence to act like a rubber band. When something runs into it, you don’t want the insulator and posts to snap off.”
- Rindlisbacher advised using 121Ú2 gauge wire. The thicker wire carries more current, helping to ensure that an animal wanting to test it will get a shock.
- Do not use an electric gate to connect current between the lines running away from the gateway. Use an underground, insulated wire.
- Use the same wire for the entire fence. Copper wire crossed with steel wire can create a poor electrical contact.
- Use a voltmetre to test for adequate current in the wires.
- Energizers should be at least one size larger than what appears necessary. That helps ensure adequate current in the fence line and allows for future expansion.
Use common sense
- Solar panels used to energize the wire should be placed out of the path of shadows cast by trees or other objects in the pasture. Panels should face the sun.
- Grounding is important. Rindlisbacher recommends using at least three galvanized ground rods, each no less than two metres long.
- Rolls of wire should be stored in a dry place. The wire will corrode if left outdoors.
- Always use insulators when attaching wire to fence posts.
- Don’t take shortcuts when building the fence. Buy good quality materials.
“If you take too many shortcuts, you’ll pay for it later,” he warned.
