Electric Fences Now Solve Wire Shortage

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1940, Page 18 (Supplement)

Electric Fences Now Solve Wire Shortage

Ihe shortage. o£ fencing wire, the high cost of fencing timber, and labour difficulties have no doubt contribnted ,to the greater interest shown in electric fences, bait another factor has been the success achieved by a nurnber of farmers in different districts with this type of fencing. Before dealing with several typical farms selected at random, it is just as 'well ' to discuss some general features, of the applicatiqn 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 farrper, but it is essential that the "controller" be both efficient and reliable. Mo6t farmers find it satisfactory and convenient for the controller to be placed in

the milking shed. Apart from bemg 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 expenditjire in wire and posts. Ample wire is present in existing fences. Three and four-wire fences can be oonverted into one-wire electricfences 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. All farmers using the electric fence are equally emphatic that stock must be first trained to respect the fence before it is 100 per cent. reliable. This is usually a sknple matter. Farmers have found' that after a short period of special training, followed by a week or two with the current turned on, it is quite safe to turn off the power for most of the time, ,thus reducing battery charges. This, hqwever, is a doubtful saving, as these' charges should not exceed 15s a year. It is very necessary that the fence line be tested frequently to locate short-

circuite through the falling of branches ahd the contact of other vegetation with the wire. Long grass, particularly when wet. will cause* a short circuit, but when dry, little or no current is lost. Thus, in summer farmers do not pay much attention to the presence of long §rass or fern under the line. During the rainy parts of the year it is necessary to cut this grass back. There are still gaps in the knowledge which has been gained, but from time to time it is hoped" to give further guidanee to farmers based on ccncrete experiences, which is the best basis for any advice on farm practices.