Fencing pasture for goats or horses, a garden away from deer, or a property line on hunting land? Tell us the acreage, the animals and how much of the line is wooded.
Common choices
- Woven wire with small openings for goats and sheep, sometimes with an electric strand.
- Welded wire for gardens, dog runs and small pens.
- Field fence with wide gates for tractors and trailers.
- Solid corner and brace posts so wire stays tight.
Goats test fences, so tight wire and solid corners matter more than anything else on a livestock fence.
Choosing farm and field fence
- Woven wire (field fence): the general-purpose choice for sheep, goats and mixed livestock; smaller openings at the bottom keep small animals in.
- Welded wire: lighter, good for gardens, dog runs and poultry, but not built to take livestock leaning on it.
- High-tensile wire: long runs at lower cost per foot, often electrified, common for cattle.
- Board fence: the classic horse and road-frontage fence; it needs paint or stain and the odd board replaced.
- Barbed wire: still used for cattle, but a poor choice anywhere horses are kept.
Corners, braces and gates
Wire fence is only as tight as its corners. Every corner, end and gate post needs a braced assembly (an H-brace or similar) so the wire can be stretched tight and stay that way. Size gates for what goes through them: a walk gate for people, and a wide gate for a tractor, mower or trailer.
Before fencing land in Madison County
- Walk the whole line and clear brush and low limbs first
- Confirm the boundary: rural lines can be far off old fences, so use the survey or the county GIS map as a first check
- Indiana law requires you to contact Indiana 811 at least two full working days before digging, and fence post holes count as digging (Indiana 811). The request is free.
- Plan for creek crossings and low spots where water runs
- The Madison County Cooperative Extension office can advise on fencing for your livestock
Farm fence questions in Madison County
What fence works best for goats?
Woven wire with small openings, tall enough that they can't jump it and stretched tight so they can't push through. Many owners add an electric wire on the inside.
What fence is safest for horses?
Board fence, or a highly visible wire fence designed for horses. Avoid barbed wire, which can cause serious injuries.
Do I need to call 811 for farm fence posts?
Indiana law requires you to contact Indiana 811 at least two full working days before digging, and fence post holes count as digging (Indiana 811). The request is free.