Electric Fencing

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 61, Issue 1, 15 July 1940, Page 19

Electric Fencing

By the

FIELDS DIVISION

Survey off Practical Experiences And Possibilities

INQUIRIES regarding electric fences are being received by the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture with increasing frequency. The shortage of fencing wire, the high cost of fencing timber, and labour difficulties have no doubt contributed to the greater interest shown in electric fences, but another factor has been the success achieved by a number of farmers in different districts with this type of fencing. Electric fences have been used on farms in Great Britain and the United States for a number of years, and their general introduction into New Zealand dates from about

1937. At first their use in the Dominion was mostly confined to temporary breaks for root crops and barriers round hay stacks, but gradually their possibilities are being tested for permanent fences, especially on farms requiring subdivision. In the “Journal of Agriculture” of June, 1939, Mr. C. S. Brook, of Te Kuiti, recounted his experiences in subdividing a block of rugged hill country with permanent electric fences, and extension of the use of these fences has been observed by Instructors in Agriculture in different parts of the country. With the object of giving farmers an idea of both the scope and the limitations

of electric fences, a request was made by the Director of the Fields Division to his field officers for data based on the experiences of farmers who had installed electric fences, and this supplement is based on the material which has been forthcoming. There are still gaps in the knowledge which has been gained, but from time to time it is hoped to give further guidance to farmers based on concrete experiences, which is the best basis for any advice on farm practices. The Department would welcome accounts by farmers themselves, whether favourable or otherwise, of the results of any experiment or project with electric fences, especially relating to the control of sheep or the subdivision of hill country for either sheep or run cattle.

Hill CountryjFarmer’s Methods

By

H. de O. CHAMBERLAIN,

Instructor in Agriculture, Palmerston North.

AN electric fence is serving Mr. E. H. Smith of Ohariu Valley very well indeed. His installation is run from a wet battery. One of the most interesting features of Mr. Smith’s method of using his fences is the training pen in the sheep yards. This consists of a low. two-wire fence across one corner of the yard. The part available to the sheep is quickly grazed bare, and in no time the stock are turning covetous eyes upon the luscious feed on the other side of the electric training fence.

Hopefully, they “make a pass” at it, and then pull up all standing to have a look around to see who hit them. Once again they make the attempt, only to back away with a look of complete bafflement upon their faces. The long green grass can stay long and green as far as they are concerned. At the end of the day’s work the sheep are turned out into the paddocks, and only one attempt at the electrified wire there suffices to . remind them that a grass paddock underfoot is worth several on the other side of a fence which apparently hits back.

Time To Train Sheep

Mr. Smith considers that the ideal time to train sheep is just after shear-

ing, when they have lost, their wool and are susceptible to shocks. In selecting the line of the fence, he takes care to avoid wet places, where there will always be rushes growing or very rough faces where the stock allow the grass to get long. If grass or rushes touch the bottom wire there is always the danger of the fence being rendered ineffective in damp weather.

Procedure Advised

"In his own words, the procedure Mr. Smith advises farmers to adopt is as follows: — “Don’t be afraid of steep dips, angles, or steep places. Select a line which will allow you to take as much advantage as possible of the fact that posts may be well spaced out. Some of our posts are as much as 25 yards apart, but I should recommend 12 to 14 yards as a maximum spacing, as the wires tend to sag on longer spans. “Lay out the following materials: — Strainers where it is intended to swing heavy gates; a set of rails at the head of each gate if considered necessary as explained later; a pole at each gateway; good, solid, wooden posts for ends and angles; light 6ft , posts or iron standards in numbers varying from slightly less than two to the chain on flat country to five on extremely broken country; barbed wire as calculated according to grade used; a short batten in each dip; a number of old. posts, etc,, for use as, bracing and foot-

“To erect the fence, first put in the end posts which, as already mentioned; need only be good, solid, fencing, posts. On firm ground staying is unnecessary, but they should be footed. and crossbraced as shown in Fig. A. Sharp angles may be tied with a wire tie or braced like end-posts. A heavy post well rammed is sufficient for a slight angle. In placing an angle post it, must be remembered that the wire will run some inches inside the post

instead of around it. as in ordinary fencing (Fig. B). Guide Wire “Run out a guide wire of No. 14 plain, which is far easier to handle than the barb which is ultimately used. Put in the dips and brows. - Instead of 'footed posts we use a batten swinging on No. 8 wire from a peg buried about 2ft deep directly in the line of the fence (Fig. C) . This saves work, and by insulating the No. 8 wire as close to the batten as possible, allows the barb to be stapled to the batten, thereby saving two insulators (8d at current rates). It is not advisable, however, to have more than two of these batten feet together. The remainder of the posts are put in in the usual manner. Suitably drilled iron standards or light wooden posts may be used. We use the following three-wire gauge: Bottom wire, 9Jin.; middle, 21in.; top, 36in.; but I should think that the two bottom wires should be slightly lower on clean, evenly-grazed flat country, while the bottom wire would probably be better a little higher

on rough danthonia or bracken country. The gauge should be carefully marked on every post after it is in the ground.

Attaching Insulators

“The insulators may. be either nailed with a 4in. nail or , screwed on. If iron standards are used the insulators are bolted on. A leather or rubber washer must be put under the head of the nail or screw, and in the case of bolts there must also be a washer between the insulator and . the standard. With leather washers it is advisable to punch the holes with a harness punch; otherwise, when the leather dries out the washers will crack and fall off. '

“Nailing is quick, but every miss with the hammer means the chance of a broken insulator. The insulators are placed so that the gauge mark for the wire’ runs above, them on brows and below them in dips. The method of attaching insulators at ends and angles is shown in Fig. D. “We use the special 14-gauge barbed wire done up in 281 b. coils, which are

easily run out off a crowbar by one man. It should be thoroughly stretched in the usual way. It merely, needs to be taut, ■ and there is no need for

excessive straining. The barb is attached to the insulators with 14-gauge tie wire. Anything lighter will cause trouble.

Construction Of Gates “Although it is quite possible and very cheap to use an electrified ‘Taranaki’ gate, we go in for proper timber gates, because we consider that the time saved in riding through justifies the extra cost. The fence, current is carried across the gateway on a piece of No. 14 wire, which rises sharply at one end of the gate to the top of a pole, to fall slowly away to a point some distance down the fence (Fig. D) . Two poles may be used at the cost of an extra insulator. “Owing to the extremely flimsy nature of the fence judged as a purely mechanical barrier, stock, particularly sheep, seem to have- gre difficulty, in finding gateways, and will, go right past without noticing that their mental hazard has. ceased at the gatepost. It is therefore as well to have a set of rails at the head of each gate. This difficulty ceases when the stock have learnt where the gateways are, so that this refinement is by no means essential. It may also save you the unpleasant experience of having your horse put his nose on the live wire • while you are latching the gate.

T etnporary Fencing

“For temporary fencing, such as rapebreaks, we use light stakes and rubber

loops instead of porcelain insulators. Rubber strips which are ideal for the purpose can be obtained from the tyre retread firms. These strips are about an inch wide and several feet long, and it is an easy matter to cut them into 4to 6in. lengths with an axe. They may also be used for washers for the porcelain insulators. “The current is carried from the controller to the fence line by means of an overhead system, or, better still, by insulating one wire, preferably a

barb on an ordinary fence, and letting the current keep the stock off it too. One barb along the back of a road fence will work wonders in stopping cattle and horses pushing through to the ungrazed road. The wire need only be attached to an insulator on every second or third post. Causes Of Faults “Faults in the fence are indicated on the controller, the most common being as follows: —Cracked insulators,

excessive grass or rushes touching the bottom wire, rubbish blown on to the fence, bark or splinters on the post touching wire, tie wire touching posts. “When making repairs to a remote part of the fence, simply earth it instead of going back to the controller to turn it off. Experience, although perhaps you will find it rather a ‘shocking’ experience, will soon teach you when there is a fault on the line or not, obviating the necessity of going backwards and forwards to the controller. “We have been using fences erected in (this manner for some nine months with sheep, horses, and cattle, including a bull, which, although not a confirmed fance-breaker, had no respect for an ordinary fence if he had any real reason to wish to get to the other side. The fences have been entirely satisfactory provided the stock are properly trained. Importance Of Training “The importance of training cannot be over-emphasised. The only ani-

mals which will go through the ‘hot’ fence now are the dogs, and they take good care not to be ‘stung.’ It seems probable that a stray dog with the guilty conscience that such dogs have on strange country would not wait to try the fence again. “Our most outstanding effort was to. wean newly-shorn Corriedale-cross lambs . (after a morning’s training) on to rape fenced with a permanent 3wire fence and sub-divided by a break consisting of one live and one dead wire. The bottom wire was left dead because of the fact that it touched the rape in' many places. Although one side was eaten bare before the lambs were moved, only three passed the break, which was an easy jump. None passed the permanent fence. Main Points “The main points to remember are:— (1) Buy a reliable controller. (2) Earth .it well. (3) Don’t be slipshod in erecting the fence (a good fence doesn’t take long to put up).

(4) Train your stock properly. (5) Have your dogs under control when working near the fence.” Cost of Fence The cost of a three- fence has proved to be 15s per chain, made up

It has been found better to use properly constructed wooden gates with a tall post on each , side and the wire carried overhead between them.

Experiences on a Dairy Farm

By E. H. ARNOLD, Instructor in Agriculture, Dargaville.

BEFORE dealing with several typical farms selected at random, it is just as well to discuss some general features of the application of electric fencing to an established farm or one in the process of development. The selection of the particular make of outfit is the responsibility of the individual farmer, but it is _• essential that the “controller” be both efficient and reliable. Most farmers find it satisfactory and convenient for the controller to be placed in the milking shed. Apart from being situated more or less centrally on the farm, the efficiency of the fence can be tested twice a day. On the average dairy farm the installation of the electric fence does not call for further expenditure in wire and posts. Ample wire is present in existing fences. Three- and four-wire fences can be converted into one-wire electric-fences and the spare wire used for replacing broken-down or erecting new fence lines. A good heavy post does quite well for the end post or strainer, while intermediate posts, usually placed up to a chain apart, need only be strong enough to carry the weight of the wire. In fact, any suitable timber with the equivalent of a 4in. by 2in. cross-section and 4ft. to 4ft. 6in. long proves satisfactory.

With sapling timber, a larger cross section is necessary, and it is essential that the nails holding the insulators penetrate far enough into the heart timber. Even if soft woods are used — and these rot away in a few years

—it is quite a simple and inexpensive matter to replace them where necessary. Treatment with creosote or a good coating of tar makes soft woods last longer. s toc k Must Be Trained - AR farmers using the electric fence are equally emphatic that stock , must first be trained to respect the fence before nis 100 er cent reliable. This -.. . ■ is usually a simple matter. Farmers have found that after a short period of s P ecial training, followed by a week or two with the current turned on, it is ite safe to turn off the power for most of the time, thus reducing bat-

tery charges. This, however, is a doubtful saving, as these charges should not exceed 15s per year, It . g very necessary that the fence line . be tegted frequently to locate short-circuits through the falling of branches and the contact of other vegetation with the wire. Long grass, particularly when wet, will cause a short circuit, but when dry, little or no cur- , . . , . Tima om-nmov’ tarmarc rent is lost. Thus, in summer farmers do not pay much attention to the presence of long grass or fern under the line. During the rainy parts of the year it is necessary to cut this grass back.

Users of the electric fence, when interviewed, without exception .are thoroughly satisfied that provided a suitable type is purchased, the erection of the electric fence has reduced construction costs by at least 80 per cent, and in many instances 90 per cent. In addition, maintenance charges prove practically negligible. '

Farm Subdivided

Twelve months ago a farmer in this district purchased a 57 acre dairy farm on which all the fences were 'in a very bad state of repair. Taking the best of the wire' and posts, he was able to repair part of the boundary fence and the road fence efficiently. He then purchased a second-hand but good electric fence controller, which was placed in the separator room. Without the purchase of new wire and posts, all the subdivision fences

were converted into electric fences. Most of these consist of one wire, but where the calves are grazed, a second wire is placed between the electric wire and the ground. This lower wire, which, does not carry the current, is well grounded by connecting it at convenient points to the water pipes. Ordinary fencing battens were found to be too light to hold the special insulator nails, and in place of the nails coach screws with the usual leather washers were used. Wooden gates suffered excessive damage by stock, but their replacement, by electrified gates proved satisfactory. It was found necessary, however, to carry an extra electric wire overhead across the gateway in order that the current was not broken when an electric-wire gate was left open. Apart from successfully controlling all classes of dairy stock and horses, the electric fence has been useful for protecting the shelter belts and maize crop. Educating New Stock On a partially improved dairy farm, electric fencing has been used extensively with complete success, except

in the case of young pigs. When newly purchased stock are. brought on to the property they are placed in one end of a paddock temporarily fenced off with the electric fence. The milking herd is placed in the larger portion of the field. One day of this procedure educates the . new stock to respect the fence. Since last spring the current has been cut off from most of the fences. Although the cows and calves have grazed right up to, and in some v cases under, the fence lines, they have not yet attempted to break through. - At first, however, when the power was turned on recently to a new fence line, some calves got under the wire and into the next field. By clipping the long hair off the necks and backs of the calves, a close contact was made next time the calves attempted to get under the wires, and this practice proved a complete success. With pigs, he finds that a twowire electric fence is successful with large pigs and sows, but is definitely em-

phatic that it is valueless for small pigs. Pasture Rationing Another farmer has used the fence for dairy stock with success. The erection of temporary electric fences to ration pasture, feed has proved entirely satisfactory.' Three-inch by two-inch timber, 4ft. to. 4ft. 6in. long and pointed at ’ one end, is used for posts. The insulator is placed 4in. to 6in. from the top, and the post is simply driven into place with the maul. - One farmer in this district has used the electric fence extensively for wintering pigs, especially stores, on fern country. Along the existing fence line a single wire is placed six inches from .the ground. On the new temporary fence lines two wires are used, one . wire six inches from the ground and the other six to. ten inches above this. Such fence lines require periodical inspection and lowering if the pigs have rooted deeply under the line.

On Demonstration Farm During recent years the Farm. Committee of the Dargaville Demonstration Farm has been faced with the renewal of the whole of the fencing on this farm. By last year at least 60' per cent, of this work had been completed on the whole of the drainage system overhauled. Existing drains have been deepened, and new drains dug. Further extensions to the shelter belts have been planned for the coming year. All this work necessitates a considerable expenditure on fencing. In addition, the development of new pasture areas, the growing of maize crops, and the “rationed” grazing of fields call for the erection of temporary fencing. To continue and. complete the work so that production could be maintained and increased, limited, funds were available. Consequently, an electric fence outfit was purchased last spring. The first use made of this outfit was to electrify one wire round the bull paddock. The work was done

in the middle of the mating season, and previously where it was necessary for a man to restaple the wire on the battens and posts every other day, no further work was - necessary. Since then, the electric fence has been used to fence off the maize crop, to protect new drains, and to make new subdivisions. Further, it has proved a simple matter to fence off hay and ensilage stacks. Where the stack is alongside an existing fence line, 20 minutes’ work will effectually protect the stack. If the stack was erected in the centre of a field, the connecting electric wire was. carried on poles Bft. high to the stack. This permits free

movement of grazing stock under the charged wire. Electric Gateways Electric gateways are being used freely. To by-pass the wire overhead, lengths of old piping are used to support the wire. On the electric wire on gateway itself an old claw-tube rubber split down one side and placed on the wire at a convenient position makes an excellent insulator for the hand when opening and closing the gate. At present field grazing trials are beginning, and further subdivision is necessary. The electric fence allows

trial work of this nature to be carried out at the minimum cost. About one-third of the farm is cut off from the remainder of the property by a road. Because of telephone and power lines, it was not possible to carry the electric fence connecting wire overhead. A suitable culvert was available, and use was made of a cheap but . efficient lead-covered cable to make the necessary connections. In all, 145 chains of this fencing has been erected. Within the next six months, the erection of a further 100 chains is proposed. The cost of such fencing is but 10 per cent, of the cost of the erection of the standard 3in. barbed wire fence used on the farm.

Subdivision of Hill Country

By J. W. PALMER, Instructor in Agriculture, Hastings.

RECENTLY I inspected a big area of swedes and chou moellier which has been fenced off with an electric fence for feeding purposes. The fence erected constitutes Waratah standard, one every chain with three plain wires, No. 1 gauge. Care was taken that no stalks would interfere with the. fence to cause a short-circuit. On the enclosed area ewe hoggets were placed, and after a week it was found that only three had got through, this fence. It had been the intention

of the farmer to erect two plain wires with a middle wire barbed, but as barbed wire was unprocurable, he made the plain wire serve the purpose.

Hay and Grass Seed Paddocks

Last summer I visited a grass seed area, and found that only half the paddock had been closed for seed, the other half being grazed by ewes and lambs with a high stocking of abou* 10 ewes per acre. Three wires of No 12 gauge were used for the electric fence. Ordinary batons were driven in at 10 yards apart, and it was found that no ewes’ or lambs entered the grass seed crop that had been closed for seed purposes.

In another instance a paddock was subdivided similarly. Half the area was closed for hay. It was found a< first that the fence had been erected a little on the low side and a few ot

the ewes were hurdling over the top of this wire, but after the wire had been raised to a reasonable height these ewes were prevented from jump ing over into the hay crop. It was found that this proved effective and economical for subdivision purpose? On Hill Country On the estate of E. W. Nairn, Omakere, a paddock at the back of the station of • 240 acres has been subdivided by electric fence. Posts were

put .in approximately a chain apart, while in some instances they were closer to counteract ruggedness of the country. Three barbed wires were erected, the first being approximately 6 inches off the ground, the next 9to 10 inches above the first, and the top wire about 3 feet 6 inches off the ground. The fence, when being erected, was made so that should the electric fence be unsuccessful, a permanent fence could be erected to the posts al-

ready put in— course with the "addition of other posts. First, cows and bulls were placed in one paddock, with heifers in the other. It was found that no beasts attempted to get through, from one paddock to the other, and in this instance the cattle used were black poll run cattle. Later, 2,000 ewes were placed in the top paddock, and these were held until they were removed into the lower paddock. It was found that no sheep got through this fence. The manager, Mr. Nation, mentioned that this fence of a mile in length was erected at a cost of £SO, as against £250 for a standard eight-wire sheepproof fence. He is quite confident that the fence, properly erected, and the use of barbed wire is not only economical, but is stock proof. He states that, with the present shortage of fencing wire, any subdivision can be economically carred out by the use of the electric fence. Its Worth Proved On a station at Tamumu, owned by Angus Bros., electric fences have been

used for the past three years. In the first instance a flat of approximately 35 acres was divided into two, using only two barbed wires. To prove the worth, of this fence, 80 cows and 6o calves belonging to Tamumu Station were bought over and left on one paddock. It was first found that the cattle approached the fence, and that on receiving shocks they remained on the opposite side of the paddock away from the electrified fence. Mr. Angus was quite convinced that this would serve as a suitable fence and at very considerably less cost. At the time of visiting the property he had 1,200 ewes confined on the area of approximately 171 acres. Only one ewe had got through, and on disturbing her she immediately returned by jumping over the fence. Mr. Angus is subdividing 120 acres into six 20-acre paddocks. This will be used extensively for carrying out rotational grazing for his breeding ewes, and he intends erecting three wires, as he considers that to make an efficient fence,

especially sheep-proof, the three wires are essential. He has also proved that a cold face on a big run can be properly controlled by the use of an electric fence. By the proper control of grazing on these cold faces the sunny slopes are prevented from being grazed too hard and - thus reverting to dominant danthonia. Conclusion In summarising the efficiency of these fences, 1 feel quite convinced after seeing those mentioned that they are serviceable and economical, especially at times such as these, when fencing wire is. practically unprocurable. The electric fence lends no difficulty in controlling cattle, whether station or dairy cows. It is necessary to educate sheep, but even though this may not be at first carried out, very little difficulty is experienced in confining them to certain boundaries, especially. when three wires are. used, and more so if they are barbed wire.

Comments from Farmers

By W. L. HARBORD, Fields Instructor, Invercargill.

NUMEROUS farmers who are already using, or have used, an electric fence were asked for their candid views and experience, and, although parts of this article will be found contradictory, it should be borne in mind that the aim is not to praise the fence, but to give the farmer the candid criticisms of practical men who use it, and so let others decide for themselves whether or not there is a place on their farms for this type of fence. Mr. D. Mcßae, of Benmore, Dipton, has had considerable experience with the electric fence, and has used it with both cattle and horses. He finds it ideal for a “break” fence for cattle, and states that it is very handy and easily and quickly shifted. On this farm it has been noticed that the fence is of no use during the snow season, as the snow adhering to the wire not only insulates it to the stock, but allows the current to “earth,” causing the charge to become , considerably weakened. Experience With Horses Mr. Mcßae finds that horses, once having received a “shock,” will not

trouble a fence further and become easily held, with a great saving on fencing wire, posts, and horse covers. When asked if he found horses at all “wire” or “fence” shy when working, he replied that he had definitely not, and added that any horses with which he has had such experience could be driven up to, and alongside, a fence without trouble. Another farmer stated that he had no use for the electric fence whatsoever. He bought one to hold a very restive bull, he said, but when roused at all the bull took no notice of the electric shock and went under or over the wire as it suited. This farmer admits, however that he did not give the fence a very fair trial, but his experience is quoted to show the differing opinions to be heard.' One farmer stated that his bull had been an absolute nuisance about the place before, he bought an electric : fence. He had never been very certain in which paddock his bull would be found, as it was in the habit of going through or over any fence, no matter how strong or high. After one good shock from the live wire the bull ceased to . show any desire to go near, and, although the battery was turned off more often than it was on,

the bull was easily held between the months of November to January. z

A Bull Tamed

One man on a mixed. farm near Invercargill related some interesting experiences. He bought a young bull which proved most troublesome from the moment it was turned loose on the farm. When he tried to shift it the bull went through six fences in his effort to evade being driven. It would put its Head between the wires of'a fence and push until it got through, until by chance, it pushed under the wire charged with electricity. The bull took the full shock, and. although the wire fell to, within ten inches of the ground, it would, not attempt to cross or go under it again.

With cows wearing covers, this farmer finds that by clipping the hair along the back of the neck the cows can be kept within the fence. He is of the opinion that barbed wire must be used, because. the hair appears to act as an insulator and the barb, by pricking the skin, conveys the shock.

There, again, there are differing opinions, as some farmers say the plain wire is all that is necessary. When asked about horses and the electric fence, this farmer replied in the same terms as those given by Mr. Mcßae, but added that his experience showed that the horse had to be educated. All his horses, when receiving their first shock, instead of jumping back, .went through or over the fence, but did not trouble it again. Type of Charges One man who has had very wide and practical experience x of the electric fence stated that he had proved that the type of charge sent along the wire decided greatly the success with which the fence could be used. Some types on the market gave only a single shock represented so, “.—”, while others, gave a double shock, thus, u n It was , found after several fences had been thoroughly tried that those giving the double charge were by far the most successful. Lambs which would break past a single shock wire

could not be tempted to pass the double shock wire, even when starved and

tempting fodder was placed just outside the wire.

Tried Against Deer

Mr. D. O’Brien, of Lilburne, has tried the electric fence out against deer. Mr. O’Brien is of the opinion that, provided the live fence is being used from the beginning of such times as the deer are likely to visit the paddock, they will be kept down. Contrary to general opinion, it is stated by this, farmer that deer will go through a fence more often than over it, and if given a good shock before the feed is enclosed within the fence, they will not bother it afterwards.

One other, point which of interest is that it appears that animals are like human beings in their susceptibility to an electric shock. Some animals take no notice of the charge, while others show the fence the greatest respect, and for this reason a farmer may find that he will have to get rid of one animal, or;perhaps more, before his fence will be a complete success.

Use As Temporary “Breaks”

By A. STUART, Instructor in Agriculture, Invercargill.

WITH the supply of efficient farm labour steadily diminishing, the farmer must investigate all laboursaving devices. One of these devices which has come into favour is the electric fence. In Southland electric fences are most in favour for erecting “breaks” for stock while feeding on turnips, swedes, or chou moellier. . Stock are on the “break” only for a few hours daily. In cases such as these they have been found most reliable, particularly with cattle. However, in many herds there will be found at least one cow which is prepared to take the shock and prove troublesome, and it may be necessary to dispose of this animal before satisfactory results are obtained. With cattle, only one wire is required, and it is therefore not advisable to run weaner calves with the herd, for these

calves are able to walk underneath the wire and, once through, encourage the bigger beasts to follow. In the case of sheep two wires are recommended, but results generally have not been so successful as with dairy herds. This is often due to lack of perseverance in the training of the animals. In the first place, a large number of sheep should be confined on a small. “break.” Control of Ewes At the Winton Demonstration Farm a mob of 500 ewes was confined on half an acre ,of swedes, and only one got through the fence. Wool insulates the shock, and to feel the shock the sheep had to take it on the extremities, either the legs or head. After about three shocks for each animal no further attempts were made to touch

the fence, and after the third day the current was turned off.

A curious instance of the intelligence of the manager’s dog also came under notice. Last winter the dog received a shock, and this year an ordinary

wire-netting “break” on resistant turnips has been erected in the same field, but the dog will not go near this fence, and will go round instead of over it when called. “ , There is a big diversity of opinion as to the best wire to use in the fence. Barbed wire is recommended by most manufacturers, and may probably be the best for sheep. Where “breaks” have to be shifted, however, the farmer objects to the frequent handling of barbed wire. With cattle, many 'farmers use the ordinary No. 8 gauge fencing wire, while many use finer wire down to No. 14 gauge. There is no doubt that, with the prevailing scarcity of wire, both plain and barbed, and the rising costs of wire and posts, farmers will make more and more use of these machines for temporary fencing.

Popular With Dairy Farmers

By E. M. BATES, Instructor in Agriculture, Gisborne

ELECTRIC fences were introduced into Poverty Bay only about two years ago, and are most popular with the dairy farmers.

The following are several farmers’ experiences in the province:—

Mr. T. Preston, Manutuke. — With dairy cows and with steers, one barbed wire for separating grazing areas from hay paddocks or root crops suffices. In the bull paddock one electrified wire at the top of permanent fence is found very effective.

Sheep. He ’ has not used electric fences for sheep.

Pigs.— He considers electric fence satisfactory for big pigs—porkers, sows, boars —but small pigs intermingle, and electric fences have been rejected for the pigs.

This farmer looks on electric fence as merely a temporary expedient, and is gradually working into permanent subdivisions. He has had trouble with breaks in the small nailed insulators and shorting. Breaks in wires and omission to hook back wire across gateways have caused inconveniences. Four or five rejected telephone dry cells (1 to 1| volts each) are used.

Mr. H. Cooper, Patutahi. dairy farmer ■ who has found the electric fence very effective with dairy cows.

Bull Paddock. To avoid damage to permanent fence, one barbed wire 3ft. from the ground and 2ft. inside the fence has been erected at the end of the boards attached to the permanent posts.

Grazing paddocks in breaks with dairy herd. One electric barbed wire is moved across as each break is cleaned up. As a large herd is milked, one wire is used to make a lane on the side of the paddock for convenience in stocking the next break and to avoid puddling and trampling over ground grazed earlier. Earlier breaks are not separated. Cows are on for one hour at a time, and are fed three times a dayimmediately after morning and evening milking, and at midday. The farmer has also found the electric fence very useful, for feeding off green maize in breaks with the dairy cows.

Protection of hay —Using four battens or iron standards driven into

the ground, one barbed wire gives complete protection, and after several days the current may be turned off where still found effective after a fortnight. Electric fences have cured bad cows from knocking any fences about. Mr. J. Morrow, Patutahi. Electric fences are very useful to the dairy farmer, both for dairy stock and grown pigs. This farmer has used them for protecting stacks and for subdivision. He has had very little trouble with shorting. . Scotch thistles do not short the wire. One dry battery costing 15s lasted for 10 months, using on-and-off principle. He has approximately 36 chains of barbed wire on short willow posts at height of 3ft. 6in. for dairy stock.

Mr. E. R. Renner, Repongaere.—Elec trie wire system, used for dairy cows, bulls and horses. He considers a twowire (barbed) electric fence in the bull paddock is better than a sevenwire fence which is liable to be damaged. Actually, the posts in the bull paddock were over 50 yards apart, with the two barbed wires 30in. and 48in. from ground. There was naturally a slight . sag in the wires, although these, were kept very tight. One barbed wire again was found efficient in keeping dairy cows off root and green crops. In a race from the milking shed, old rubbers off the milking-machines were utilised for insulation, using two plain wires. Insulation cups in the race

were readily broken off, and the rubber insulators were easily fitted with the wire running through the centre and wired to the posts outside the rubber. When inspected, the rubbers were found to have been in use for two years without replacement. An electric pricker is used for loading pigs. A loose wire on either side of race is necessary to complete the circuit. This farmer is considering using a switch-board to speed up locations of faults in the system when these occur. Mr. A. G. Jones, Waingake.— farmer uses a cheap machine, which he considers is not too reliable. Electric fences have been very satisfactory with cows and bulls.

If a mob of cattle are jammed against fence they will go through. This would not occur with ordinary fence. He considers that barbed wires are required for cattle. On this property iron standards are used exclusively, except for terminal posts and gate posts. No foot or stays are required. The machine is used only in spring and summer. Mr. G. McPhail, Waingake.—Mr. McPhail has had an electric fence for two years. Battens last about four months. Likes electric fence for quiet stock. Considers excellent for dairy cows. Uses one plain wire. This will keep cows out of maize, crops, etc. One plain wire also used for subdivision. Height of wire about 2ft. 6in.

Electric fencing used only in spring and summer. Sheep. Uses four plain wires for sheep, which never get through, but does not recommend use for pigs. — Found pigs jumped electric two-wire fence. Mr. H. Chrisp, Patutalii. — Using an electric fence mainly for pigs; two barbed wires effective for sows unless starved. Not effective for small pigs.. In a boar pen has four barbed wires battened every foot to 18in. Posts are about 12ft. apart, and battens resting on bottom wire and stapled. Has found one barbed wire round hay stacks very effective for cattle and horses. Uses only a wet battery, which he considers more economical than dry batteries. ? Mr. T. Smith, Mangapapa.— Used two barbed wires with pigs. To educate the pigs, maize cobs were tied to the wires. After two or three attempts pigs would not touch maize. Considers electric fence satisfactory for porkers, slips, sows. Mrs. Mackie, Ormond. Used an electric fence to keep pigs out of orchard, but intends to erect permanent fences, as the electric fence has not been reliable. She considered, too, that cocksfoot or anything growing up in fence caused trouble. Three barbed wires were used, but the small pigs went in and out. Could never be sure pigs would not be in the orchard. „ " Mr. A. 11. Wall, Waerenga-o-kuri.—' Uses an electric fence for sheep and cattle in feeding-off turnip breaks-and in temporary subdivision in hill country. One barbed wire very effective with cattle. • With sheep, barbed wire damages the wool. Has used one barbed wire between two plain wires, but now erecting four plain wires. Used mainly, however, for feeding-off turnip breaks. Mr. F. Cooper, Waerenga^o-kuri. Uses only two wires with hoggets when feeding-off turnip breaks, I believe. Saxby Bros., Cape Runaway.— difficulty with fencing streams and gullies with occasional flood waters. Have found electric fences most effective way of control across such areas for cattle and sheep.

On some of the tidal flats north of Karamea, Spartina grass was introduced some years ago. It is now well established on areas covered at high tide and on the adjacent flats, and provides a good picking for cattle over considerable areas which would otherwise be practically devoid of feed.

Barbed Wire Advocated

By A. F. GREENALL, Instructor in Agriculture, Balclutha.

IN the South Otago district there are only about six farmers who are known to have electric fences. These have all purchased machines recently, and therefore their experience is not very great. The majority agree, however, that properly erected and installed electric fences are effective in herding cows, pigs, and horses which are. reasonably well behaved. None of the men visited thought that sheep could be controlled, as the wool would prevent good contact. For pigs, two wires are regarded as necessary, one about six inches from the ground and the other 18 to 21 inches high. Pigs are pushers rather than hurdlers, and consequently high fencing is not generally required. One farmer stated that after an initial period of use with pigs the power was turned off for three weeks before the pigs finally plucked up enough cour-

age to attempt a break, and when they did so they were put back and a week’s conditioning proved sufficient to prevent them from approaching the fence for a further period. With cows, the position is not so clear-cut. At least two wires are required, one to check those which push under, and one to check those which jump. The time and material ■ required to erect such an electric fence are regarded as being the same as that put into the erection of a temporary fence of cyclone wire or barbed wire. However, the electric fence provides an effective check, and perhaps more use would educate the cows to a stage where one wire would be sufficient. The electric fence has not been generally used for horses, but is said by one or two farmers to be efficient. One farmer stated in conversation that once horses had become afraid of the fence

they would experience difficulty in driving the horses up to the fence in operations such as scuffling or ploughing' a headland. The general opinion is that a spiked or barbed type of wire is best, and is essential, where sheep are being herded by an electric fence.

In a good stand of lucerne in the Ranfurly district there is a strip which has received more surface water, due to seepage from a race, then the remainder of the stand. This strip, due to the moist conditions has become invaded with grasses and weeds to the detriment of the lucerne. This brings to mind the fact that the water requirements of lucerne should be studied from the point of view of :— (a) underground water, (b) surface water, (c) periods when water is most necessary for lucerne to allow of its competition with grasses when under irrigation.

as follows: — £ s. d. 14 days’ labour, at 14s per day ..... 9 16 0 Wire, 8/281b, rolls No. 14 barb (as made for electric fences) 3 4 0 3 gates 2 10 0 Insulators 1 15 2 Odd wire for ties, etc 0 10 0 Posts, 60 at 6 per 100 (cut on farm) 3 12 0 Total 21 7 2