Don't fence me in...

Another recent mission on the farm was to re-fence all 7 paddocks with post and rail fencing. The 5 wire electric fence was OK for keeping the horses in, but the goats and the sheep with their insulating coats would run under the bottom wire without a care, which was making pasture management difficult. 

So, 150 posts and 2.5 km of timber later, we now have posh 3 rail fences with hot wires above and below and in between the rails. We did it ourselves with the help of a neighbour. Since then we have not had any problems with our obstinate ruminants!

Above: The old fencing.

Below: The new fencing. Note the late Winter rainfall.

We also built a 5m x 5m box in the middle of each fence, and have planted a stand of oak trees in each box. In time it will be a picturesque way to provide shade for the animals in the Summer months...

The new fencing will also mean that we will be all set up to keep a Highland bull next year without him wandering. Our girls are coping well with the wet weather...