How to Plan for Your Farm’s Fence in Western North Carolina
Answering these questions will help you plan for your farm’s fence:
1) What’s the Purpose of Your New Farm Fence?
Fences accomplish two primary purposes - to keep things in or keep things out. On your farm, you may need fencing that solves either of those purposes or both.
Fencing that Keeps Things Out
Some things you might want to keep out of your farm include:
- Wild animals like deer, bears, and roaming pets
- Unsolicited guests
- Trespassers and people who might be threatening
Fencing that Keeps Things In
Some things you might want to keep inside your property include:
- Your sheep, goats, chickens, cows, horses, etc.
- Your family and kids
Determining what you want to keep out and in your property will help you choose the right fencing materials, placement, and other key details.
2) How Much Fence Do You Need?
To determine how much fence you need, you’ll have to figure out how large of an area you want to fence in. For smaller hobby farms, this might be easier, but for large farms, you may need to get out a map or draw one yourself.
On grid paper, draw your farm, including the roads, structures, paddocks, and any noteworthy natural features, including dense vegetation, ponds, and rock outcroppings. The size of your fence will be one of the most significant factors impacting your budget.
3) What Are the Laws, Rules, and Regulations for Fencing in Your Area?
Every state has rules that govern who can own and manage animals. In certain countries where "free-range" regulations are still in effect, a landowner is required to fence out the animals of the neighbor, but in the majority of cases, it is the livestock owner's duty to keep his or her animals under control with suitable fencing.
Fence rules often specify who is in charge of building and maintaining a fence, who is liable when animals escape and cause harm (including when they cross the road and cause an accident), and an explanation of what is meant by a "legal fence."
Additionally, some local governments have fence rules that frequently forbid the use of specific fence types. For instance, barbed wire or electric fences are sometimes prohibited in cities and subdivisions. The fence law in your region should be available from your county extension agent or the animal control officer in your community.
4) What’s the Terrain Like Where Your Fence Needs to Be?
Everything is a little more challenging here in the mountains. Hills, cliffs, boulders, creeks, and other factors will affect where you can put your fence and what kind of fencing will work.
5) What Style of Fence Do You Need?
The purpose of your fencing will help determine the style of fence you need:
- If your primary purpose is security in a part of the farm that won’t be often seen, you may want a chain link fence.
- If you’re wanting to protect your farmhouse, you might want something sturdy and aesthetically pleasing like PVC/Vinyl or ornamental.
- If you’re trying to keep livestock inside an area, you might want split rail or wire fencing. Wire fencing looks great and is effective in accomplishing your goals.
We can help answer questions about what type of fence is best for your purpose.
6) Can You Repair Your Existing Fence?
At this point, you are probably getting an idea of the budget for your fence. If you already have an existing fence you’re planning to replace, you may want to consider and reassess whether it can be repaired. We can help you determine whether or not your existing farm fence can be repaired.
7) Who Should Build Your Fence?
When you own a farm, fencing is not so much an option as it is a necessity. Protecting your crops and/or livestock is an integral part of the job.
Dividing your land and establishing borders, especially near water resources, are critical aspects of maintaining a well-functioning, environmentally safe farm. Asheville Fence has been providing western North Carolina farms with high-quality fencing for decades.
Some of the decades of working with us for your farm fencing include:
- Our fencing is cost effective
- Our fencing products are durable
- We provide customizable farm fencing solutions
- We provide versatile fencing solutions. Our fencing is not just for ranches
- Our fencing helps maintain livestock in designated areas
- Our fencing helps protects vegetation and waterways
Reach out to the team at Asheville Fence to discuss your land, vegetation, animals, and other details to figure out the best options available for you.