Inspect and Maintain Fence Lines
At 1:07 in
I'm selling the Cows! Is the Farm Closing or What?
What happens here
After deploying the main fence line, the farmer inspects the existing fence lines. He checks for sagging wires, which can ground out the fence. He demonstrates how to adjust fence tightness by wrapping loose polybraid wire around a plastic step-in post. He also identifies areas where tall 'dog fennel' weed is touching the fence wire, causing grounding. He pulls the weed away and notes that it will eventually be mowed by a 'ventrac mower'. He also highlights a section of woven wire fence that has been pushed down by cattle, requiring an electric top wire to prevent this. He tightens a loose section of polybraid on an existing fence by wrapping it around an insulator on a permanent fence post. He also notes a damaged section of polybraid tied together, which needs to be replaced. Lastly, he demonstrates fixing a sagging woven wire fence section by pulling it up and securing it with an electric fence insulator attached to a 'tractor supply fence post'.
Goal: Ensure electric and physical fence lines are properly maintained and free of grounding issues.
Tools and materials
- Electric Fence Insulator — Securing polybraid to permanent posts and tightening lines
- Electric Fence Wire — Repairing and tightening fence lines
- Permanent Fence Post — Supporting fence lines
- Plastic Step-in Post — Adjusting wire tension and securing fence lines
- Pocket Knife — Cutting and tying polybraid
- Dog Fennel — Identified as a grounding risk for electric fences
- Wild Cherry Tree — Identified as a hazard for cattle if ingested when wilted