Hill Country Fencing

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 98, Issue 4, 15 April 1959, Page 314

Hill Country Fencing

By

R. G. WARREN,

Instructor in Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Dannevirke

THIS article, the first of two articles discussing the results of a recent ■ investigation of farm fencing on hill country in the southern half of the North Island, describes conventional designs of fencing and some modifications. The second article, which will appear in a subsequent issue of the "Journal", will deal with the development and possibilities of electric fences on hill country, as recently there has been a revival of interest in electric fences because of technical improvements in their construction and working and because of the high cost of orthodox fencing.

'T'HIS investigation was undertaken -®- because despite the fact that even now many miles per day of new subdivision fencing are being erected on hill country, the demand created by aerial topdressing is being curtailed by the mounting costs of the standard post, wire, and batten fence, the scarcity of long-lasting posts and battens, and the shortage of labour for transporting materials and erecting the fences. Further, it is known that there are a considerable number of modifications of the standard fence, but until recently no testing had been done of the strength and lasting qualities of modified fences, and farmers were

naturally hesitant to make changes which might later prove to be unsatisfactory. An Old Problem The high labour requirement and cost of farm fencing have worried farmers for years. Many miles of modified fencing have been erected, but such fences have not met with widespread approval, and paddocks remain too large because of time and money limitations. Concentration on the problem has produced from the farmer such ideas as the Hunter lightweight post, wire, and chain-batten fence, and from the

manufacturer a steady flow of machine-made productslightweight and thin wire; metal gates, posts, and battens; and electric fence units—insulators, batteries, and recently a wind-driven battery charger. Farmers’ supply merchants, the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand, the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, the Department of Agriculture, and the agricultural colleges have all given attention to fencing. The Airworthiness Division of the Civil Aviation Branch of the Air Department in 1953 issued a report comparing the total costs for wood,

steel, light alloy, and chain materials delivered to fence lines by surface and aerial transport. In 1955 the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council produced a very readable bulletin, “Airborne Fencing”. The Department of Agriculture has fencing trials at Tangoio and Waerenga-o-kuri Soil Conservation Farms, at Flock House, and at Invermay, . and with the agricultural colleges is investigating the use of electric fences on hill country. This recent survey, therefore, was but one further move in the pattern of development of fencing on our farms. In no way does it give a final answer to the country’s needs. Its purpose was to identify the problem further by pointing out that in certain cases the unmodified post, wire, and batten fence is uneconomic and encourage those who are seeking a simple durable fence at reasonable cost. Fencing Costs Compared Before details of fence construction and suitability of various fencing materials are discussed a comparison is given, on a cost basis alone, of a number of types of fences which are being erected by farmers at present. Though many miles of fencing of the types listed in the tables are giving service on farms throughout the country, a closer study may further aid the quest for the fence which gives the best value for the money and

labour spent. For comparison the specifications and costs of materials for one mile of a standard hardwood post and batten, 7-wire fence are given in Table 1. Table 2 shows comparative costs o f transporting these fencing materials to a fence line and erecting the fence. Table 3 shows the effect of various modifications on the costs of erecting a standard fence 20 miles from town by road and 1 mile across the farm. The remarkable saving of £2lO afforded by the Hunter-type fence leads us to Table 4 where the specifi-

cations of a mile of such fence are laid out, and to Table 5, where the total costs of materials, transport, and erection are listed.

TABLE COMPARISON OF COSTS FOR I MILE OF FENCING (Materials bought, transported 20 miles by road, taken• I mile across farm to site, and erected) £ Standard wooden post and batten, 7-wire fence ... .. .. .. 745 Hardwood replaced with softer wood .. Hardwood battens replaced with steel +5O Hardwood posts replaced with concrete -—2 B Alternate hardwood posts replaced with steel H-section driven posts .. .. —3B Hardwood posts all replaced with Hsection steel driven posts .. ... .. Alternate hardwood posts replaced with steel standards .... .. .. —62 Every second and third post replaced with steel standards .. .. .. —93 Fence replaced with Hunter-type fence with treated softwood posts .. .. 210

Conservative Estimates These costings give a general picture where no unusual difficulties occur. However, as farmers know well, costs rise steeply where fence lines have to be cleared of scrub or bush; as gates, foots, flood gates, and extra strainers and stays are added; and where fencing materials have to be carried many miles over rough terrain. Objections to Modifying Standard Fence The normal post, wire, and batten fence has stood the test of time. It is known and understood by farmers. If well built on sound ground, it will last for many years without attention. It looks strong and it is strong. Modified fences look frail and unattractive. Steel posts are easily bent. Chain-footed posts and chain battens give a fence a springiness which has little appeal to either the stock or the farmer. It is not always. realised that the strength of a lightweight fence lies in its? resilience — ability to absorb shock and then bounce back. , Contractors, generally, prefer building normal fences. Less careful planning is required; unpopular work such as driving steel posts and fitting chains is avoided; ' the work takes longer per mile, so that moving is less

frequent and jobs do not have to be booked up so far ahead. Unnecessary time and labour spent on fence maintenance reduces profits. Farmers naturally fear that lightweight fences . will be a constant source of worry—and if badly planned or too lightly built, they no doubt will be. Even the farmer who is determined to cheapen and modify his new fences has quite a problem on his hands, as it is impossible to obtain plans of suitable fences for holding stock on varying types of country. For these reasons it is not surprising that changes in fencing practices have proceeded slowly. Comment from Different Districts Brief reports on fencing practices in the hill country of Gisborne, Wairoa, Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay, the Wairarapa, Wanganui, and Stratford are given here. Gisborne From Gisborne came the detailed costs of erection of one typical boundary fence and two subdivision fences. The cheapest of these cost just over £7OO per mile, and the other two, owing to the need for flood gates, cost about £9OO per mile.

Iron standards are used on many farms to replace running posts. Considerable . thought, too, is being given to the Hunter fence and there are many instances where the Hunter method is being partly used in the erection of new fences. Slips, erosion, and ever-widening stream beds are a worry to farmers and fencers on many of the east coast hills. Totara and beech posts are practically unprocurable, and treated larch and pine posts and battens from Government sources are in high demand, but are also hard to obtain. Concrete posts are being used more today in hill country fencing than in the past. Wairoa Detailed specifications and costings from the Wairoa district show that generally practices are in line with those of other districts. There has been a swing away from the use of native timber posts in favour of treated Oregon and radiata pines. Also there is a marked swing in favour of concrete posts, over half the posts of all types sold through Wairoa during the past year being concrete, a greater proportion being used on steep hill country in spite of high transport and handling costs.

Local supplies of beech posts are available. Demand in the past has not been high, as they sometimes vary in quality and do not last in some soils, but creosote treatment now given at the Tuai Mill should ensure a sound product. Commercial, county, and New Zealand Forest Service plantations of Oregon and radiata pines are already in production, and those at present being planted should provide supplies of local timber for many years, and there is a growing awareness of the value and need of farm woodlots. Practically no major modifications have been made to fencing in the district. The main alteration has been the use of steel standards to replace every other post, and sometimes two posts in three, and patent steel battens of various designs are also widely used. A few farmers have successfully erected Hunter-type fencing. One station manager has even eliminated the barbed wire and chain battens, but he emphasises that the fence must be very soundly built and the wires kept drum tight. Central Hawke’s Bay The cost of a recently erected J mile of concrete post, No. 8 wire, and steel batten fence was £4BB 14s. In this case £3O was spent on laying and clearing the line and four gates were hung. Without allowance for gates this fence cost over £950 per mile. The cost per mile of a concrete post and iron standard (alternate), No. 8 wire, and steel batten fence was £6OO, which did not include cost of cartage or laying the line. The erection costs were £2 ss. per chain. The cost of the Hunter fence varies from £350 to £6OO per mile. One farmer stated that he had erected a Hunter fence for £350 per mile, and erection costs by contract were £1 per chain. Another farmer stated that by doing all the work himself he could erect a fence for about £3BO per mile.

However, the average cost in the district is about £5OO pel’ mile.

The Soil Conservator, Hastings, has supplied complete specifications and costs of the four types of fencing erected for testing on the Tangoio Soil Conservation Farm, and some details are given here. No allowance as been made for gates in the costs of the various types of fences.

Concrete fence: Concrete posts and strainers, three types of steel battens, four No. 8 wires, two No. 12J steel wires, and a barbed wire on top. Materials, £464 per mile. Total cost erected, £753 per mile.

Hunter fence: Concrete posts and strainers, Hunter fence chain battens and foots, three No. 8 wires, two No. 12| steel wires, two barbed wires (top and bottom). Materials, £3Ol per mile. Total cost erected, £4BB per mile.

Wooden fence: Wooden posts, strainers, and battens; four No. 8 wires, two No. 12J steel wires, and a barbed wire on top. Materials, £461 per mile. Total cost erected, £749 per mile. Steel fence (aerial fence): Steel posts, strainers, angles, and battens; four No. 8 wires, two No. 12> steel wires, and a barbed wire on top. Materials, £BOB per mile. Total cost erected, £982 per mile. In Central Hawke’s Bay, too, concrete posts are being used in many fences. A wide variety of wooden posts is available from merchants, but first-class wooden battens are in short supply. Southern Hawke’s Bay Methods of fence construction used in Southern Hawke’s Bay form the basis of the general discussion on the subject later in this article.

Wairarapa The costs per mile of three fences studied in the Wairarapa district were £691, £B2l, and £1,154, the last-named fence being particularly expensive, as £124 were spent on erecting flood gates.

The principal modification used is the Hunter-type fence using either fine-gauge wire or No. 8 wire. The fences appear very satisfactory and the savings they allow are very substantial. Increasing use is being made of metal standards, both the steel and wrought-iron type. This is especially important where materials have to be packed on to the line and on rockycountry. One farmer is experimenting with a lightweight fence, using tubular steel strainers, steel standards, No. 8 and barbed wire, and chain battens. With some modifications this could be useful on certain farms. Generally the older established farmers continue to favour the standard post and batten fence. Mr W. B. Hull, of “Waierua”, Whareama, has for some years been using creosoted pine posts. These appear to be light and strong, and posts in the ground for 16 years have so far shown no signs of decay. Mr Hull has planted pines and other trees for many years and is an authority on forestry and timber. The trees have been maintained as woodlots, by thinning and pruning. A cold creosote treatment is used for the posts, which are round limbs with bark removed and the timber seasoned. The estimated cost, including labour for planting, maintenance of the plantation, felling, and creosote is £36 per

100 posts. Cold creosote treatment costs 2s. 3d. per post, about i • gallon of creosote being used per post. Battens are made from split and seasoned pine, and the average quantity ' of creosote used per batten is i pint. Farmers who have suitable trees could produce relatively low-cost fencing materials in this way. The trees need to be fairly young for posts, as the sapwood absorbs creosote, but heartwood does not. Wanganui Detailed specifications and costs of fencing were obtained from a number of farmers in the Wanganui area. The total cost per mile paid by the farmer was, in almost every case, much the same as in any other district. However, most of these farmers had either supplied their own labour or were using posts and battens split on the

farm. When full allowances were made for the supplied labour and the posts and battens costed out at market prices the total cost per mile rose very steeply indeed. For example, the estimated total costs per mile of fences on four farms on steep, difficult hill country were £895, £1,171, £l,Oll and £897. The Hunter fence is being used to a limited extent in this area, but generally there has been little change in hill country fencing practice, except for a tendency of some farmers to change over to steel battens and some standards to reduce the cost of handling the fencing materials. : The three-wire electric fence described in the May 1956 issue of the “Journal of Agriculture” is being tried on the easier country. It is said that four men can erect a quarter of a mile of three-wire electric fence on easy country in 3 hours—using steel standards on the angles. A few miles of permanent five-wire electric fence have been erected .on some hill country and on the Waiouru desert area. The design of these fences

is based on the electric fence installed some time ago at Massey College “Rata” farm in southern Hawke’s Bay. There are still fairly good sources of supply of wooden posts and battens in the Waimarino area, but elsewhere supplies of native timbers have practically been exhausted. Stratford In the Stratford district 24 farmers gave details of the types of subdivision fences on their farms, listing the materials used and their cost. The survey shows that concrete posts are popular in this district, too, though it is noticeable that most of the farms where they are used are . near railway stations. Only one farmer has had trouble with concrete posts and this was due to the reinforcing being insufficiently covered. A second farmer avoids using concrete posts where his fences are subject to heavy strain. A wide variety of wooden posts has been used on these farms including Australian hardwood, silver pine, red beech, creosoted larch, totara, and macrocarpa, the last two types being split on the farms. Some of the farmers have erected Hunter fencing and are very satisfied

with it. One farmer mentions that the only fault that he can find with the Hunter fence is that it does not look as sturdy as a normal fence. A general preference has been shown for No. 8 plain and barbed wire, but some fine-gauge steel wire is being used with one or two barbed wires. There were a number of interesting comments on the value of electric fences for holding sheep. Five farmers had tried such fences for break feeding grass and crops. In each case three wires were used and all of them were electrified. There was general agreement that the electric fence was useful; in fact one farmer reported that he has been using such a fence for 20 years and in his opinion it is excellent for controlling sheep on temporary breaks. Fence Construction Table 3 lists the main fence types erected in the hill country of the districts covered by the survey. Within these general types details of construction, such as fence height, the spacing of posts and battens, and the number and gauge of wires, may vary considerably. Posts Concrete: There is widespread use of concrete posts and strainers where fence lines are readily accessible from roads. Even farmers in hill country reached by many miles of winding shingle roads are using concrete posts in new fences. It is estimated that a

standard concrete fence weighs about 18 tons per mile.

Such posts form an attractive and well finished fence, and with properly constructed posts such fences should have a long life. However, poorly made posts are reported to fail after a very short time. It is imperative, therefore, that farmers should buy only .well constructed posts. Wood: Ideas about wooden posts have been revised in recent years owing to the shortage of really good timber. Properly treated softwood posts are now being used widely and are giving good service. Metal: As the district reports indicate, steel standards have been extensively used to replace posts, but though some farmers are using steel and batten fences (using strainers, but no proper posts) for subdividing sheep and cattle country, fences are reported to become too weak if more than two out of three posts are steel standards. H-section iron standards have been found suitable for replacing normal posts in certain fence lines. Their stability naturally depends on the firmness of the ground in which they are driven. In hollows they are unsuitable and are better replaced with a footed post or chain. On rises plates should be fitted to stop the standards sinking when the wires are strained. Galvanised angle-iron posts and strainers were designed and tested some years ago, but were found to be too expensive for general use. Chain-footed posts are becoming more popular. They are ideal where fencing material is being carried by air. Where access is easy, a block of concrete gives the foot a better hold than is given by a stainless-steel footplate. The concrete block is particularly useful in soft ground. Sometimes, too, where gullies are sudden and narrow, it is wise to place two chains on each concrete foot, as this lessens the chance of the stainless-steel

connecting wires being shorn off by any undue load. Battens Many types of wooden battens of varying price are on the market. Supplies are readily available in most districts at present, but indications are that in a few years supplies within New Zealand will be largely limited to battens of treated softwoods such as treated pine and creosoted larch. Metal battens of various styles are also available. Some are very much more expensive than wooden battens, but are quickly fitted and look smart. Some types, however, are quite unsuitable for fences subject to rough treatment from cattle, as they bend badly and may even break. The simply fitted, crinkled wire loop batten is cheap and has the advantage that it will flex without breaking. Chain battens are not popular, as it takes experience to fit them quickly, and unless barbed wire (preferably 3 in.) is used at the top and bottom of the fence, they are easily moved. They have the great advantage that they are very easy to carry, are reasonably cheap, and, if well galvanised, are almost everlasting. As the chains cannot resist compression, metal spacer battens should be used at intervals in long spans of Hunter fencing. Wire ; No. 8 gauge wire has been accepted for many years as standard for general use, but No. 7 wire is also used quite extensively. No. 12 gauge galvanised steel wire has been used to a limited extent. It is more expensive per ton than No. 8 wire, but stretches about three times as far. It apparently /gives good service provided that it is not overstrained when new, it is not allowed to come in contact with the ground, figure 8 joins are not used, and it is not kinked by staples or battens. Barbed wire is very variable in quality. Though it is more difficult to handle and strain, 3 in. barbed wire is favoured by many farmers, as they say it is more effective than wire with the barbs 6 in. apart. Spacing of Posts Generally 5 to 5| posts (or equivalent standards) are placed in each chain of new fencing except when chain battens are used. In the latter case the distance between posts may vary from 12 ft up to 2 chains, this being possible because the chain battens will stand a great deal of knocking about. Other Factors It seems to be accepted that battens should be spaced about 3 ft apart, though here again there are many variations. Ideas differ, too, on the number and spacing of fencing wires. Cattle men usually prefer eight-wire fences, but

seven wires are often adequate where cattle are reasonably quiet. Some farmers are trying six-wire fences on hill country. A few wires will no doubt hold very quiet cattle. However, fences need to hold lambs reasonably well, so there is a limit to the reductions that can be made. There is little variation in fence height. Fences which are an inch or so lower than normal are found in most districts, but they are few and far between. As the construction of all boundary fences is governed by the Fencing Act, it is not surprising that fencing methods are fairly standard throughout all districts. References D. A. Campbell, "Airborne Fencing”, Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council Bulletin No. 12, 1955. Airworthiness Division, Civil Aviation Branch of Air Department, Technical Report No. 98, "Fencing Material for Back Country Use in New Zealand", 1953. F. J. S. ' Holden, “New Type of Fence Designed by Hawke’s Bay Farmer”, “The New Zealand Journal of Agriculture”, Vol. 81. p. 457, 1950. G. S. Wilson, “Cheaper and More Permanent Fencing”, "The New Zealand Journal of Agriculture”, Vol. 91, p. 569, 1955. Survey reports from Gisborne, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and Wanganui. The assistance given by farmers, fencing contractors, and agents of firms is also acknowledged.

Description Spacing Number per mile Weight per mile lb Unit material cost Material cost per mile £ s. d. Strainer posts (hardwood 8 x 8 in. x 8 ft; 130 lb) .. 12 chains 8 1,040 £2 7s. 6d. each 19 0 0 Strainer stays (hardwood 5 .x 4. in, 12 chains 8 1,040 £2 7s. 6d. each 19 0 0 x 10 ft; 30 lb) .. Posts :*' (hardwood, 6 x 2 per strainer 16 480 7s. 6d. each 6 0 0 4 in. x 6J ft; 40 lb) 2 per strainer ' 16 - 480 7s. 6d. each 6 0 0 13 ft; 5 per 400 16,000 £56 per 100 224 0 0 Battens . 13 ft; 5 per chain 400 16,000 £56 per 100 224 0 0 (hardwood, 4 lb) .. chain 3 ft 1,630 6,520 £6 per 100 97 16 0 No. 8 wire . 3 ft 1,630 6,520 £6 per 100 97 16 0 (350 lb per mile) 5 wires 5 miles 1,750 £78 per ton 60 18 9 No. 12 barbed wire (6 in. spacing; 5 wires 5 miles 1,750 £78 per ton 60 18 9 370 ! lb per mile) .. 2 wires . 2 miles 740 < £98 per ton 32 7 6 Staples 2 wires 2 miles 740 170 £98 per ton £4 10s. per cwt 32 7 6 6 16 7 Total per mile of fence .. 26,700 lb (about 12 tons) 446 18 10 . .. 26,700 lb (about 12 tons) 446 18 10

TABLE 1—SPECIFICATIONS AND COST OF MATERIALS FOR STANDARD WOODEN POST AND BATTEN, 7-WIRE FENCE

(Specifications as in Table 1) Materials, £450 1) 20 miles by road, £19 £469 1 mile across farm 2 miles across farm I 3 miles 3 miles across across farm farm 4 miles 4 miles across across farm farm 1 1 1 1 Packliorse Trailer 1 Aircraft 1 Packhorse Trailer Aircraft Packliorse Trailer 1 Aircraft Packliorse Trailer Aircraft (£48) (£36) (£42) (£72) (£54) (£63) (£96) (£72) (£84) (£120) (£90) (£105) £517 Trailer (£36) £505 Aircraft (£42) £511 1 Packhorse (£72) £541 Trailer (£54) £523 Aircraft (£63) £532 Packliorse (£96) £565 Trailer (£72) £541 Aircraft ' (£84) £553 Packliorse (£120) £589 ' Trailer (£90) £559 Aircraft (£105) £574 CONSTRUCTION £2 10s. per chain £565 £541 £553 £589 £559 £574 . £717 £705 . £711 £741 £723 £732 CONSTRUCTION £2 10s. per chain 1 £765 £741 £753 1 £789 . £759 £774 1 1 I CONSTRUCTION 1 1 1 1 £3 per chain 1 £757 £745 £751 £781 1 £763 £772 CONSTRUCTION £3 per chain £805 £781 • 1 I £793 • £829 I' £799 £814 1 £745 1 £751 £781 £763 £772 CONSTRUCTION £3 10s. per chain £805 £781 £797 £821 £793 £829 £799 1 £814 £797 £785 £785 £791 i £791 £821 £821 £803 £803 £812 CONSTRUCTION £3 10s. per chain £812 £845 £845 £821 : £833 £869 £839 £854

TABLE 2—COST OF ERECTION OF ONE MILE OF STANDARD WOODEN POST AND BATTEN, 7-WIRE FENCE

Description Spacing Number per mile Weight per mile lb Unit material cost Material cost per mile £ s. d. Strainer posts (creosoted larch, 60 lb) .. .. 12 chains 8 480 ' £2 each 16 0 0. Posts (creosoted larch, 30 lb) ■ .. J chain 160 4,800 9s each 72 0 0 Strainer stays (larch, 5 x 4 in. x 10ft, 20 lb) 2 per strainer 16 320 7s. 6d; each 6 0 0 Footed chain posts .. 2 per strainer 2 chains 16 320 7s. 6d. each 6 0 0 average 40 20 5s. each 10 0 0 Chain battens 3 ft 1,500 448 £6 per 500 ft 54 0 0 Steel battens .. . 3 ft 1J per chain 1,500 448 £6 per 500 ft 54 0 0 average 120 40 £9 per. 100 10 16 0 No. 12-gauge wire .. 6 838 £4 per cwt 29 18 7 Barbed wire (3 in.) 2 740 £98 per ton 32 7 6 Staples 20 10 0 Batten clips .. 2 740 20 80 £98 per ton 3s. 9d. per lb 32 7 6 10 0 15 0 0 Total per mile of fence 7,786 lb (about 31 tons) 247 2 1

TABLE 4—SPECIFICATIONS AND COST OF MATERIALS FOR TREATED WOOD POST, CHAIN BATTEN, 8-WIRE, HUNTER-TYPE FENCE

(Specifications as in Table 4) Materials, £250 20 i miles by road, £5 £255 1 mile across farm (Specifications as In Table 4) across 4 miles across farm farm 2 miles 20 2 miles across farm Materials, £250 miles by road, £5 £255 across . 1 . farm 3 miles across *i farm 3 miles across farm 4 miles across farm 1 1 1 1 Packliorse (£14) £269 Trailer (£11) £266 Aircraft (£12) £267 Packliorse (£21) £276 1 | Packliorse Trailer (£21) (£17) £276 £272 Trailer Aircraft (£17) (£18) £272 £273 Packhorse (£28) £283 1 1 Aircraft Trailer (£18) (£22) £273 £277 Aircraft (£24) £279 Packliorse (£35) £290 CONSTRUCTION Trailer (£28) £283 Aircraft (£30) £285 CONSTRUCTION £2 10s. per chain 1 Packhorse (£28) £283 Trailer (£22) £277 Aircraft (£24) £279 Packliorse (£35) £290 | Trailer (£28) £283 Aircraft (£30) £285 £469 £466 £467 £476 £472 £473 CONSTRUCTION £483 £477 £479 £483 £485 1 £466 £467 £476 £472 1 1 £473 .1 CONSTRUCTION 1 £3 per chain £483 £477 £479 £490 £483 £485 1 1 £3 per chain 1 1 1 . 1 1 £509 £506 . £507 £516 £512 £513 £523 £517 £519 £530 £523 £525

TABLE 5-COST OF ERECTION OF ONE MILE OF HUNTER-TYPE FENCE