Farm fences have been used on farms since before recorded history began because they provide protection to livestock as well as them some room to roam. Farmers also use them when they need something physical separating two areas of land so that there’s no confusion about which belongs where and whose paddock an animal should be in. A range of fencing materials come in many different shapes and sizes with differing levels of security but all give you peace of mind knowing your investment is safe inside, regardless if it is for a boundary or internal fence!
Whether you are looking to create a perimeter for your animals, or to keep them in one area, fences will be required and they can get expensive. The cost of fencing varies depending on the type that you need and how big the space is. This guide will help you understand what factors might contribute to the cost of your fence so that you can make more informed decisions about what type of fence is right for your situation. The typical and logical way to think and plan for rural fencing cost estimations for the type of rural fencing materials you require is by looking at fencing costs per meter.
So how much does rural fencing cost in 2022? The fact that it is 2022 is very relevant because these challenging times are putting enormous strain on the cost of farming inputs. Fencing is absolutely no exception.
Types Of Farm Fencing: Rural Fencing Price Per Metre
Australian farms are some of the largest in the world. The size of the farms can vary significantly, which affects the price. The type of fences on your farm also impacts the cost; for example, electric fences are more expensive than wood ones because they require specialized materials and installation methods. Ultimately it comes down to making a bunch of compromised choices in that you want something that will stand the test of time, be relatively easy to install even in rugged terrain and keep your domestic animals in while keeping other animals out – of course with the major issue being rural fencing cost per meter at top of mind.
Australian farmers will pay anywhere from $0.60 to over $11 per metre depending on what kind you need:
- Wire mesh– Cost around $6 to $12 per meter
- Plain Wire– $7 per metre
- Hinge Lock– $10 to $25 per metre
- Chain Link– $45 to $75 per metre
- Pine– $7 to $20 a metre.
- Electric– $40 to $100 per metre
Agricultural Fencing Wire And Farm Fencing Wire
The type of fence that should be used depends on many factors, such as the length of the perimeter to be enclosed and whether it is an inside or an outside fence. Also important is:
- The topography of the land the fence will be placed on
- The type of animals to be enclosed or kept out
Wire is one of the most common materials for farm fencing
because it has a number of benefits. All wire fences are inexpensive to purchase, easy to install, and very long lasting. Wire fences are flexible and can withstand the elements, even floods.
Wire fences can be installed in a number of different configurations depending on the need. The most popular are woven wire, mesh wire, and barbed wire.
Woven Wire Fences
Woven wire is the most popular type of fence for farms in Australia because it can be used to exclude or contain livestock, pets, and predators. It does not need a lot of maintenance other than occasional tightening at spacing intervals between posts as needed.
Meshed Wire Fences
Mesh wire fences are often used as an outside border for crops or to exclude livestock. They can also be used inside a farm boundary fence with woven wire to contain animals and prevent them from entering the crop area, which reduces crop damage during harvest. Mesh wires are not good at excluding predators because they have small openings that animals may slip through.
Barb Wire Fences
The conventional barbed wire fence is made of sturdy material and consists of at least two wires. They are galvanized steel, twisted together and topped with two or four sharp points called spikes. These fences are easy to build as they need individual components such as nails to fix them in place and posts to keep them steady.
There are two types: the single strand and the double-strand. The single strand is stronger than the double because it has a higher number of sharp points, or spikes, along its length and thus makes it more difficult to penetrate them with one’s hands or feet.
A barbed-wire fence can be used for agricultural purposes as a boundary in crop fields where animals could destroy crops if not prevented from doing so.
Electric Fences
Electric fencing is cheap for the initial purchase when compared to other options, but more complicated to maintain when actually using it for your rural fencing needs. When purchasing an electric fence, there are two major factors to consider: power and voltage. You also need to make sure you have a way of providing electricity before installing the fence.
The total cost of an electric fence is about 50% higher than traditional fencing types like woven or barbed wire.
Electric fences come in a variety of power levels, and the higher voltage costs more on average.
An electric fence works well for livestock that otherwise works their skin on any type of metal wire. An electric fence prevents animals from rubbing the fence and damaging their skin, including horses, goats and other animals with sensitive skin.
The best time to install is early spring before hot weather sets in. Posts and a high tensile wire will need to be installed for a five feet above the ground or higher fence installation, depending on the type of area it will be placed.
The wire should also never come into contact with the ground because it can become damaged and start making noises as it shorts out.
The cost of Farm fencing in Australia
The prices depend on the material used and labour costs. It also depends on the area that can be covered and the animals that should be restrained. The material for 100 meters of wire and posts every four meters can range from $500 to $1500 for big animals like horses.
Fees for installation vary according to the location and size of your property. But generally, installation can cost between $70 to $100 per hour.
Farm Fencing Designs
Farm fencing
is used to maintain livestock on the farm and keep them confined. Different fences can be created within different materials for aesthetic purposes.
Wood Farm Fencing
If you want an attractive fence around the immediate area of the farm homestead, wood farm fencing
such as post and rail style is a great choice. Wood fences are sustainable and durable and will last for up to 20 years. You also have the option to go with a PVC (plastic) equivalent as well.
Deer Fencing
Deer fencing can be used to keep farmed deer in or unwanted wild deer out of a given area. If you are experiencing problems with deer, this type of fencing can help to keep them out and away from it. Deer fences will cost more than other types of farm fences
because the material used is usually metal mesh panels that have been welded together. The minimum height for the fence is 2 meters due to the deer’s extraordinary ability to leap over things at a great height.
Metal Farm Fencing
Metal farm fencing
is a great choice for those who are looking to keep things as natural as possible but want something more substantial and longer-lasting than wood. The metal fence can either be welded together or made from single panels that have holes in them, which make it easy for air and light to flow through the barrier. There are various types such as chain link panels, metal mesh and woven wire panels.
Post And Rail Fencing Cost In Australia
The cost of post and rail fencing will vary depending on the size, style and materials used. These days in Australia, due to the significant costs involved, post and rail is mostly used around the home area on a rural property, not as the major fencing type for the main part of the farm.
A basic timber post and rail fence will start at around $60 per metre. This price includes the cost of installation and materials.
The most expensive option is a steel post and rail fence which you can expect to pay around $200 per metre.
Farm Fence Posts Style and Design
The posts that support a rural fence
can also vary in style, material, and design.
When installing your posts (other than steel picket posts), it is recommended that you use a post hole digger to make the installation easier and more effective. The holes should be between 100mm-150mm deep and about 150mm apart from each other.
Concrete posts
Concrete posts are a good option for people who need something very sturdy and durable, as they will last you many years. They are also great if your property has uneven ground and the fence needs to be sunk further into the ground.
Steel Posts
If you are looking for something to last a long time but don’t want the expense of concrete, steel posts would be a good choice. Steel is strong and durable, so it will give your fence that extra strength that lasts longer than wood posts.
Steel posts come in either straight or curved shapes, and they can also have different heights.
Steel posts are also great for uneven ground, and they can be placed much closer together than wood or concrete posts because of the relative ease of installing them in the ground compared to the strength it offers to fence design.
Most importantly though, steel provides a more affordable option when compared with concrete. There is always a trade-off between cost and quality and metal posts offer a more affordable option without sacrificing durability.
Metal posts can be purchased in two of the following heights:
– Short (approx. 120mm)
– Medium height (160mm)
– Tall height (200 mm).
Steel posts are an inexpensive option, can be installed very quickly, and are perfect for areas that have a fire risk.
Rusty metal posts should be replaced with galvanized posts to prevent them from degrading and rusting over time. Better still, install galvanized posts in the first place to prevent rusting and deterioration – however, the galvanized ones do cost a bit more.
Treated Timber Posts
Posts made from treated timber are a popular choice for many farmers. Treated posts have been chemically impregnated with preservatives in order to prevent them from rotting or becoming infested with termites – the chemical also helps prolong their life by preventing insects and moisture from attacking it as well. There is no set height for these posts, however, they’re usually installed at around 140mm tall (approx.), but this varies depending on soil conditions (e.g., clay soils will hold up better than sandy ones).
These wooden posts can be more expensive than metal alternatives however they do last longer and come pre-treated so that you don’t need to worry about applying costly treatments every year.
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