I thought it looks pretty amazing with the new fences and barn restoration.
It shows our farm in early June with our first cut of hay down, I have labeled the paddocks, fields and gardens. I love the fact you can see our new Orchard, but I have to admit the photo reminds me of the one roof we still have to replace, the Utility building.
Now you can see how our system has been setup. The laneway is on a semi-flat strip of land and paddocks 1,2,3,5 and 6 all slope away or downhill from it. Paddock 4 is a bit higher than the laneway. The slope of the land did make gate placement a royal pain. It is the one less than ideal piece of otherwise a very easy system to work.
There is a working gate between paddock 4 and the hayfield. Paddock 4 and the South field are almost fully secure, they are fenced with double twist woven wire with a high tensile, hot cap wire to stop anything from leaning on it. We like the option of these more secure paddocks for lambing and calving. The South field has the lean to in it. It is full width of the tobacco barn and we are finding the extra expense to build it more and more valuable.
The entire perimeter of original barbed wire has been upgraded with the addition of two high tensile wires that we can run as hot.
I am seeing so many people rush to get animals and they ignore the perimeter of their land, instead they decide to use electric netting instead. After the expense of this fence work however, we are even more convinced a top quality perimeter fence is invaluable. The permanent cross fences we have are a luxury. Electric netting or single hot wires would be just fine if we didn’t have the permanent fencing. We designed the paddocks to suit the addition of single dividing hot wires as we learn the art of grazing this farm. The security of it all relies on the strong and well built perimeter fence. It keeps our stock safe and contained on the farm, even if we forget to close a gate or Mischeif unhooks one of the chain latch’s.
It was a year ago that we made the final plans to get the fence and barn work done. It is a joy to use the paddocks and barn.
The sound of livestock and the chores are keeping us happy, busy and entertained to no end.
Nothing can substitute for good fencing. The electric netting can be crushed, fall over or just plain quit. If that is all you have, you are in trouble! I think that you and Ralph have been very wise and thoughtful about every aspect of your farm. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWell inspiration is a bit strong but we are trying to let people see good options and realities of developing a small farm.
DeleteIts so satisfying to work at. Our next project is hay feeders.
Can you knit hay nets?😊
I love this! I love seeing how your farm is laid out. It helps us visualize your goings on.
ReplyDeleteWe just started using electric fence this year for the first time. However, I would never use it for perimeter fencing! Animals can learn to respect it (except maybe pigs) but it's too easy for it to be knocked down or shorted out by a branch or clump of weeds. It's been great for subdividing paddocks, however, as we work on a better grazing rotation.
My Father always said good fence makes good neighbors. A good, solid perimeter fence is worth every penny. You sure use fence to get the most out of your farm too.
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