Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food recently posted an updated evaluation of fencing costs for livestock production on its website.
The publication compares the building costs of barbed wire, high-tensile smooth wire, barbed wire suspension and two-strand electric fencing. Wally Vanin, a Forage Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, carried out the study.
“The published numbers that were available until now hadn’t been updated for some time," he says. "The updated fencing cost publication will help producers evaluate the options they have for fencing new pastures.”
The study found that fencing costs are highest for a four-strand barbed wire all-post fence. The cheapest fence to erect is the 110-volt two-strand high-tensile wire electric fence; however, it requires a 110-volt power source at some point along the fence, and also requires more monitoring than a four-strand barbed wire fence. The two-strand electric fence costs about $1,500 a mile, whereas a four-strand barbed wire fence might cost closer to $3,200 a mile.
“The cost is about half of that of conventional barbed wire fences,” Vanin explains. “There are other advantages to electric fencing, in that it is more flexible for use. It can be moved. Therefore, it has a higher salvage value in the end."
Fencing and water development are significant costs in developing pasture. This publication should help farmers evaluate which fencing option is best for them. Producers who are interested in developing pastures this spring might be interested in the information the publication contains. For instance, electric fence installation represents significantly less labour than conventional barbed wire fence.
“The traditional four-strand barbed wire fence may not require as much monitoring as an electric fence, and is often preferred for more remote locations,” he says.
The publication contains lists of material and cost estimates to construct one mile of perimeter fence for six types of fences. PST and GST are not included in the cost calculations.
Custom or hired fencing costs may be higher than on-farm labour costs because of the contractor's profit margin charge. The custom fencer may also want to recover the full rate, including a profit margin for the tractor and post-pounder.
Fencing labour costs are estimated on the basis of a two-person team. Fencing can be more time-consuming if the soil is dry, if there are sloughs, bush, or rough terrain to be fenced, or if large fence posts are used. Fencing costs will vary when the space between posts is increased or decreased.
The study can be viewed at: livestock/beef/production_information/fencing.asp