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Farmbytes: fencing system design

Learn what type of fence will work for you.


  • There are multiple types of fencing, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
  • Most graziers use electrified high-tensile wire for perimeter fencing, with polywire or electric fence for internal fencing.

Continue learning

These guides will walk you through what to consider as you design your fencing system.

    Grazing Systems Planning Guide (PDF)
    This guide covers more broadly rotational grazing systems and includes soil fertility, livestock grazing habits, paddock setup and fencing. 

    Fencing system farm profiles
    This video from U of M Extension profiles farms in southeast Minnesota that use rotational grazing and how they have set up their fencing systems.

    Electric fencing for serious graziers (PDF)
    This USDA guide provides recommendations for electric fence design and includes a section on troubleshooting.

    Jake Overgaard, Extension educator

    Reviewed in 2016

    Page survey

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