Whether you own a large property on numerous acres or a modest few acres, there may come a time when you decide to raise livestock—cows, horses, sheep, goats or pigs, for instance. While you do want to build a quality fence to keep your cattle safe, there are steps you can take to avoid high costs. So, what is the most affordable way to fence your livestock? Let’s look at the best materials to use when building ranch fences in Carlsbad, NM, as well as some tips to ensure you don’t waste money:
- Traditional barbed wire and woven wire: For the safety of larger livestock like cows, consider installing a barbed wire fence, while woven wire does a great job holding in smaller animals like pigs and sheep. Wood or steel posts and braces are typically used, and you may even see ranch fences with woven wire on the bottom and one or more strands of barbed wire at the top.
- High tensile smooth wire: Today, you are likely to be told the benefits of high tensile ranch wire. These fences are becoming increasingly popular thanks to easier installation, and they are less expensive than traditional wire fencing. After the posts are properly installed, the wires are tightened so they don’t come loose from the finished fence. It’s also not uncommon for high tensile fences to be fitted with electric wire to prevent livestock from escaping, as well as predators from getting in.
- Vinyl fence: If you raise horses, consider building a vinyl fence. This type of fencing material offers good curb appeal and has proven to be an excellent choice for horses. Although vinyl can cost a bit more than the other mentioned materials, it has a long lifespan.
Are you preparing to invest in a fence to contain your livestock? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you’re getting started:
- Do your homework: Not only should you know the exact type of fencing material best suited for your situation, but you also need to check on local zoning laws. Before you begin building, find out what your area’s law defines as a legal fence for your particular need—such as for a residential, commercial or ranch setting. If you hire a professional fence building company to do the work, make sure they are experienced and knowledgeable in local laws. Failure to comply with the law will cause problems for you, such as fines or even orders to take the fence down.
- Know total costs: Aside from a contractor’s installation fees, you also need to add up the total cost of the materials, as well as any additional costs associated with ground preparation and permit fees. On average and depending on where you buy, barbed wire and woven wire will run between 90 cents and $2.50 per foot, high tensile wire about $1 to $1.50 per foot and vinyl for about $5 to $7 per foot.
At Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC, our team is proud to offer a variety of professional fencing services, including building residential, commercial and farm and ranch fences in Carlsbad, NM. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment!