6 Best Stock Fencing Choices for Mixed Livestock Old Farmers Swear By

Choosing the right fencing for your mixed livestock operation can mean the difference between secure containment and constant headaches from escaped animals. Different species have unique containment needs—sheep require protection from predators, goats will test every weakness, and cattle need sturdy barriers that can withstand their weight and strength.

We’ve analyzed dozens of fencing options to identify the six most effective solutions that balance security, durability, and cost-effectiveness for farms managing multiple animal types. These versatile choices will help you create safe enclosures while saving you time and money on maintenance and repairs.

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Understanding the Needs of Mixed Livestock Operations

Considering Animal Size and Temperament

When selecting fencing for mixed livestock, you’ll need to account for the physical characteristics of each species. Larger animals like cattle require taller, sturdier fencing with posts set deeper in the ground, while smaller animals like sheep need closer wire spacing. Aggressive animals such as rams or bulls may test fences repeatedly, requiring reinforced materials that can withstand significant pressure and impact.

Evaluating Escape Potential

Different livestock species have unique escape tactics you must address with appropriate fencing. Goats are notorious climbers and jumpers, requiring fences at least 4-5 feet tall with no horizontal supports they can use as steps. Pigs are powerful diggers, necessitating buried fencing extending 12-18 inches underground. Sheep may push through gaps, requiring tightly spaced wires or mesh that prevents even lambs from squeezing through.

Assessing Predator Threats

Your fencing strategy must consider local predator populations that threaten your livestock. Coyotes can clear 4-foot fences and squeeze through 6-inch gaps, making 5-foot-plus woven wire essential. In areas with wolves or bears, you’ll need electrified options with multiple hot wires. Smaller predators like foxes target poultry and young livestock, requiring fine mesh extending underground to prevent digging access.

Woven Wire Fencing: The Versatile Standard

Woven wire fencing stands as the gold standard for mixed livestock operations, offering exceptional versatility across different animal types and farm environments.

Height and Spacing Options

Fixed-knot woven wire fencing adapts perfectly to mixed livestock needs with customizable configurations. For cattle, choose 48-54 inch heights with 6-inch vertical spacing. Horse enclosures require 48-60 inch heights with smaller openings to prevent hoof entrapment. When containing goats and sheep, opt for 48+ inch heights with either very small (under 4-inch) or larger (over 6-inch) spacing to prevent head entrapment while maintaining security.

Durability and Maintenance Needs

High-tensile fixed-knot woven wire offers superior durability, lasting up to three times longer than traditional low-tensile options. The Class 3 galvanized coating withstands harsh weather conditions and persistent animal pressure. Maintenance requirements remain minimal with properly installed fencing showing less than 1% elongation over its lifetime. Regular upkeep simply involves vegetation control and occasional inspections for damage from fallen branches or trees.

High-Tensile Electric Fencing: Modern Protection

High-tensile electric fencing represents the perfect marriage of strength and psychological deterrence for mixed livestock operations. This modern fencing solution combines the physical barrier of high-tensile wire with the training effect of electric current, making it one of the most versatile and effective containment systems available to today’s farmers.

Multi-Wire Configurations

For mixed livestock, a strategic multi-wire setup maximizes containment effectiveness. A 5-6 strand configuration with alternating hot and ground wires works exceptionally well for cattle, sheep, and goats simultaneously. Fixed-knot woven wire paired with electric strands creates a virtually escape-proof barrier for smaller animals like sheep and goats. The ideal spacing places lower wires closer together (3-4 inches) for small livestock and upper wires at 6-8 inch intervals for larger animals.

Power Options and Effectiveness

Your electric fence is only as good as its power source. Solar-powered chargers offer excellent flexibility for remote pastures, eliminating the need for hardwired connections while providing consistent performance even in partial sunlight. Battery-powered options deliver reliable backup during cloudy periods or can function as standalone systems with regular maintenance. For maximum effectiveness, select a charger with sufficient joule rating for your fence length—generally 1 joule per mile of fence—and install proper grounding with at least three 6-8 foot galvanized rods.

Fixed Knot Woven Wire: Premium Containment Solution

For mixed livestock operations seeking a premium, long-lasting fencing solution, fixed knot woven wire stands out as the top-tier choice that handles multiple species with ease.

Superior Strength Benefits

Fixed knot woven wire delivers exceptional strength with its high-tensile construction, featuring individual 12-gauge horizontal wires that resist up to 1,380 pounds of pressure. The innovative fixed knot design prevents loosening under animal pressure, maintaining fence integrity even when tested by larger livestock. Unlike traditional fencing, these knots remain firmly in place year after year, creating a virtually impenetrable barrier that stands up to cattle, horses, sheep, and goats simultaneously.

Long-Term Cost Effectiveness

While the initial investment for fixed knot woven wire exceeds traditional options, it delivers outstanding financial benefits over time. This premium fencing lasts up to three times longer than standard low-tensile alternatives, dramatically reducing replacement frequency. You’ll appreciate the minimal maintenance requirements—no retightening of loosened knots or sagging sections—and the wide 20-foot post spacing that cuts installation costs. For mixed livestock operations, these savings compound yearly through reduced labor, fewer repairs, and eliminated animal escape incidents.

Combination Fencing: The Best of Both Worlds

Electric and Non-Electric Integration

Combining electric and non-electric fencing creates superior protection for mixed livestock. Add 2-3 electric wires to traditional woven wire or post and rail fencing to significantly enhance containment effectiveness. This integration deters animals from pressing against or testing boundaries while preventing escape attempts. For sheep and goats, place a low electric wire 4-6 inches from the ground to prevent crawling under. Horses and cattle respond well to electric wires positioned at nose height, typically 3-4 feet from the ground.

Customization for Different Pasture Zones

Different pasture zones require tailored fencing solutions based on specific livestock needs. For areas with horses and sheep/goats, install a top rail with mesh underneath using Horserail or timber to safely contain all animals. In zones with aggressive cattle, implement high-tensile fixed-knot fencing with additional electric strands. Consider using weatherproof materials like galvanized wire in exposed areas and heavier-duty options in high-traffic zones. Strategic placement of gates and handling areas will further optimize your pasture management system.

Field Fence with Offset Electric Wire

Field fence with offset electric wire combines traditional woven wire fencing with strategically placed electric wires to create a highly effective containment system for mixed livestock operations. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds: the physical barrier of field fencing with the psychological deterrent of electric wires.

Installation Techniques

Install field fence first, securing it firmly to sturdy posts spaced 8-12 feet apart. Mount offset insulators 8-10 inches away from the main fence at strategic heights. Use high-tensile wire (12.5-gauge) for the electric component, ensuring proper tensioning. Connect to a quality energizer rated for your fence length and livestock type.

Optimal Wire Placement

Position the lowest electric wire 6-8 inches from the ground to deter small animals and predators. Install a middle wire at 15-20 inches for goats and sheep. Place the top wire at 30-36 inches for cattle and horses. For best results, alternate hot and ground wires if using a high-tensile system in dry conditions.

Comparing Costs and Longevity of Stock Fencing Options

Choosing the right fencing for your mixed livestock operation is a critical investment in your farm’s productivity and security. Each option we’ve covered offers unique advantages that can be tailored to your specific animal mix and property layout.

Remember that quality fencing pays for itself through reduced escapes reduced predator losses and lower maintenance costs over time. Fixed knot woven wire may have higher upfront costs but delivers exceptional longevity while combination systems offer versatility for complex containment needs.

Your ideal solution might combine several of these approaches across different areas of your property. By matching the fencing type to your specific livestock challenges you’ll create a secure environment that protects your animals while providing peace of mind for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fencing is best for mixed livestock operations?

Woven wire fencing is generally considered the gold standard for mixed livestock operations. It offers exceptional versatility for different animal types with customizable height and spacing options. For maximum effectiveness, consider high-tensile fixed-knot woven wire which lasts up to three times longer than traditional options, or combination fencing that integrates electric wires with traditional barriers.

How tall should fencing be for different livestock animals?

For cattle, 48-54 inches with 6-inch vertical spacing is recommended. Horses need 48-60 inches with appropriate spacing to prevent hoof entrapment. Goats and sheep require at least 48 inches with smaller openings that prevent head entrapment. The height should always account for the largest animals in your operation while ensuring smaller livestock can’t slip through gaps.

What’s the advantage of electric fencing for mixed livestock?

Electric fencing combines physical strength with psychological deterrence. A 5-6 strand setup with alternating hot and ground wires provides optimal containment for multiple species. The psychological barrier created by the shock deters animals from testing boundaries, reducing wear on the fence. It’s also highly customizable, cost-effective, and can be powered by solar chargers for remote pastures.

How does fixed knot woven wire compare to traditional options?

Fixed knot woven wire offers superior strength, withstanding up to 1,380 pounds of pressure compared to traditional options. Its innovative design maintains integrity under pressure from larger livestock, and it lasts up to three times longer. While the initial investment is higher, the reduced maintenance requirements and wider post spacing make it more cost-effective long-term.

What is combination fencing and when should it be used?

Combination fencing integrates electric and non-electric solutions to enhance containment effectiveness. It’s ideal when dealing with particularly determined animals or in areas with predator concerns. By adding 2-3 electric wires to traditional barriers, farmers can deter boundary testing and prevent escapes. This approach is particularly effective for pastures containing multiple livestock species with different containment needs.

How should electric wires be placed for different livestock types?

Position electric wires based on animal nose height for maximum effectiveness. For sheep and goats, place a low wire 6-8 inches from the ground to prevent crawling under. For horses and cattle, wires should be at nose height (approximately 30-40 inches). When dealing with multiple species, use a combination of heights—typically 3-4 inch spacing for lower wires and 6-8 inch spacing for upper wires.

How much maintenance do different fencing types require?

Woven wire requires minimal maintenance, primarily vegetation control and occasional damage inspections. Electric fencing needs regular voltage checks and vegetation clearing to prevent grounding. Fixed knot woven wire is the lowest maintenance option, while combination fencing requires attention to both components. All fencing should be inspected after severe weather events regardless of type.

What fencing solution works best for predator protection?

A combination of woven wire with electric offset wires provides the best predator protection. Use 48-inch (or taller) woven wire with 4-6 inch spacing, plus offset electric wires at predator nose height—typically one wire at 6 inches from ground level and another at 12-15 inches. For areas with significant predator pressure, consider adding an electric wire along the top and potentially an apron at ground level.