12/15/07

ISCOWP News

Volume 16 Issue 3 The International Society for Cow Protection 2006

FENCING

In previous monthly letters, we have reported on fixing the old fence lines in certain areas of the farm.  In one crucial area in the woods in which the postholes have been dug and wood posts have been inserted, Jason and Chaitanya Bhagavat are learning how to do the next step, stringing the wire.  There are two types of fence.  One fence is too keep animals in the area and the second is too keep animals out of an area.  The difference is which side of the post the wire is placed.  Since we want to keep the cows in the pasture, we are stringing the wire on the inside of the post or the pasture side.  Then if the cows push on the wire, they will also be pushing on the post itself.  If the wire is on the outside of the post, then when the cow on the inside of the pasture pushes on the wire they are only pushing against the staples that hold the wire in place. 

We have already finished half of the fence and made "H BRACES" on the ends for extra strength.  Slow work, as there are many little steps to complete the task.  In between the two halves, we have left an opening with a simple gate.  A team of oxen or a vehicle can pass through this gate to get to the wood lot on the other side of the pasture.  If the job is done correctly, the fence will be sturdy and will last as long as the posts do not rot away which could be as long as 50 to 75 years depending on the quality of the fence posts.

The choice of wood for fence posts in this part of the country is locust.  Locust fence posts, when allowed to dry properly, will outlast several applications of wire over the years.

We have finished this fence line and the cows have been switched back to the new pasture on that side of the ISCOWP farm.

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