The Fence Post

Increasing Blueberry Yield

The 8' fence, angled to the outside of the blueberry patch, is easy to build and easy to move. Simple in design, this deer fence uses seven strands of wire.

And it cost him ¢.40 per foot to build!

Prior to building the fence, the patch typically yielded 3,500 pounds of berries. The season after he built the fence, the yield was up to 14,000 pounds!  Joe Wave of Wave's U-Pick Blueberries in Kaleva, Michigan talks about his innovative deer fence:

Excellent Advice

This instructional video from Bekaert points out important aspects of installing different types of high tensile agricultural fences - smooth wire, barbed wire, hinge joint field fence, fixed knot fence, and horse fence. Safety considerations, the importance of planning for your fence, and fence post selection are covered. Clear instructions on how to install a brace are also presented.

The Advantages of High Tensile Wire

• Are you thinking about using field fence to enclose your animals and property?
• Agricultural fencing is available in two types of wires: low carbon and high tensile. What's the difference?
• Is there an advantage to using one over the other?

Low Carbon Wire - easy to work with, but...

For years, traditional field and farm fence have been made using low carbon wire. Low carbon wire used in fencing is usually made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. It is easy to work with but is prone to stretching and sagging. It requires regular maintenance and is weaker than high tensile wire.

High Tensile Wire - inherently Stronger

This wire has become very popular due to its advantages. It is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.28%. Higher carbon content makes high tensile wire stronger. Its higher psi rating gives it a higher breaking strength. To get the same strength, you can use a lighter gauge high tensile wire in place of a heavier low carbon wire. You can complete your project at a lower cost.

• Lighter weight also means easier handling and installation. Fewer posts are required so you can increase the spacing between posts. If installed properly, high tensile fences require little maintenance. Re-tensioning is not necessary.

• During installation high tensile fencing requires less tension to make it tight. The wire is stiffer and will not stretch and sag. This characteristic gives it flexibility - it will give and bounce back when animals lean against it.

This video shows quite dramatically the differences between these two types of wire:

Secure Animals: Containment and Exclusion

There are many different styles of woven wire fence that can be successfully used in zoo displays. These wire fencing products can also be put to use around the home, farm, and public areas such as parks and recreational areas. Think of these fences when you have any situation where animals need to be contained or excluded.

Double Wattled Cassowary & 2" x 4" woven wire mesh - Birmingham Zoo

 12.5 gauge, 2" x 4" mesh

Woven 2" x 4" mesh is made with heavier 10 gauge selvage wires running along the top and bottom edge of the fence. This gives the fencing greater strength. Strong 12.5 gauge wire makes up the balance. A third piece of 12.5 gauge wire forms a smooth stiff knot around the horizontal and one-piece vertical wires securely holding them together. Knotted construction gives the fence some flexibility, making it easier to install on uneven ground. Woven 2" x 4" mesh is available in three different finishes: Class 1 galvanized, Class 3 galvanized, and Class 3 black. It can be used effectively with very large birds, other animals such as dogs, horses, zebras, and any other animal that requires a strong fence. 

Woven 2" x 2" wire mesh fence on sides of display - Franklin Park Zoo

16 gauge, 2" x 2" mesh

Made with the same knotted construction as the 2" x 4' fencing, this lighter-weight woven wire fence is made using 14 gauge wires on top and bottom and 16 gauge wires for the filler. As with its heavier brother, the fencing has inherent flexibility. 2" x 2" mesh can be used with birds and other small animals - situations where a lighter fence will be effective.

Deer and Wildlife Fence

Woven Deer and Wildlife Fence - Franklin Park Zoo

Woven from 12.5 gauge high tensile wire, this strong heavily galvanized fencing can be used with many different kinds of animals. All feature spacing between horizontal wires that graduate from small at the bottom to large at the top. Heights range from 4' through 10'. Horizontal and vertical wires are held together with fixed knot construction. Deer and wildlife fencing is available with a Class 3 galvanized finish. Some heights have a Class 3 black finish. The strength and height make this an ideal fence to use with a wide range of animals.

Deer fence gateway - Birmingham Zoo

 Do you have any unusual animals that you want to keep in - or out? Check out our Emu blog.