Fences are must-have features on most farms, helping to delineate property boundaries, contain livestock, divide crops, and improve appearances. However, unlike an urban property, you'll generally need a lot more fencing on farmland, which often calls for extensive planning to ensure your acres are protected. From mapping out the location to choosing custom metal fencing from a metal fabricator, properly plotting out the process ensures smooth installation and an effective, visually appealing result.

How Do You Plan for Farm Fence Installation?

Plot the Location

Use grid paper and a pencil to make a sketch of your property. Be as detailed as possible, including roads, walkways, buildings and outbuildings, enclosures and paddocks, crops, gardens, and other elements. Once you have the sketch, draw in where the fencing will go. 

Walk the property, following the path you laid out in your plans. Use a chalk reel or surveyor tape to mark the fence line. Write down the measurements as you go, and include the preferred height for the installation, as well. Take note of any unexpected corners, sharp dips or rises in the terrain, trees, or utility posts along the path that might get in the way; the fence may need to be rerouted around these features. A professional can also help you throughout this process.

Determine Placement of Posts & Gates

Every fence needs posts to maintain its strength and structure. Different materials require specific kinds of posts; for instance, an installation from a metal fabricator might need T-shaped posts that fit into PVC sleeves to blunt the edges and points. These are typically placed 8 to 10 feet apart with anchor plates at their bases. As you walk the property perimeter, decide where you want to put each pylon.

If you're installing gates, you also need to determine their placement. Cattle gates should be 10 to 16 feet wide, while each opening should be 12 to 16 feet to accommodate equipment and machinery. Gates for foot traffic need to be 4 feet wide. Make sure there is enough clearance on all sides to accommodate anything that needs to pass through.

Order a Custom Fence

Contact a metal fabricator to order custom fencing. Refer to the measurements and notes from walking the property to ensure you get the precise amount of materials, including the correct number of posts and gates needed. Consult these professionals for tips on how to maintain your new installation and keep it in sturdy condition for years to come.

When you need custom fence posts from an experienced metal fabricator, turn to Pipe Plus Inc. in Willow Springs, MO. For over 20 years, they have been serving customers throughout Missouri and the surrounding states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Iowa, Texas, and Kansas. This fabrication shop and steel distributor offers custom fences, precut fence posts, pre-engineered steel buildings, hay feeders, grain bins, and welding supplies. Call (417) 469-5292 or visit their website to request a quote.