Working Ranch Magazine Summer 2025

This is a WR-approved Industry Partner Strategic Recommendation

on fence maintenance, the opportunity cost is substantial. Medley offers a practical perspective: “It’s more about what can you be doing instead of gathering up cows from a broken fence,” Medley explains. “Could you have rolled 30 rows of hay or gotten the combine ready for harvest?” Instead of repeatedly fixing failing fences, that time could be spent on revenue-generating activities or manag ing other aspects of the operation. Effective maintenance is crucial not just for containing livestock but for the overall economic health of the operation. SAFETY AND NEIGHBOR RELATIONS Medley also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships: “Good fences make good neighbors. You can create relationship issues with your neighbors if your cattle are getting into their garden or into the flower bed.” A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO REPLACEMENT For budget-conscious producers, Medley outlines sev eral strategic approaches: “You can use alternative materi als when you build. For example, you can do a combination of T-post and wood to save money.” He recommends a phased approach: “I recommend building it in phases. Typically a livestock producer will know where their most prone areas are for livestock and start with their highest pressure areas first.” Specific recommendations include: ● Phase replacement starting with highest-pres sure areas ● Combine different materials for cost efficiency ● Choose appropriate fencing types based on specific livestock needs ● Complete sections within a planned 4-year period ● Time replacements with livestock sales PROACTIVE INSPECTION PROTOCOL Medley emphasizes the importance of regu lar inspections: “During the spring and after any significant weather events is a good time to check fences. Whether it’s a big snow or heavy rain, look for limbs on the fence or rusty areas that could create issues.” Key inspection points: ● Complete thorough spring walk-through before rainy season ● Inspect after significant weather events ● Check connection points and staples for rust ● Examine areas near trees and termination points ● Document problem areas for planned maintenance THE EQUIPMENT MINDSET Medley advocates for a shift in thinking about fencing maintenance: “We need to think about fencing the same way we think about other critical farm equipment,” Medley explains. He adds that just as farmers wouldn’t wait for

a tractor to break down completely before planning its replacement, fencing requires the same forward-thinking approach. This shift in mindset — from reactive to proac tive — can significantly reduce both immediate and long term costs. THE BOTTOM LINE The true cost of aging farm fences extends far beyond the immediate expenses of repairs and replacements. It ripples through every aspect of an operation — from livestock safety to productivity. By shifting from a reactive to proactive mindset, farmers can transform what is often seen as a necessary evil into a strategic asset that protects their operation’s future. Medley emphasizes that success lies not in respond ing to fence failures, but in preventing them altogether. “The question each producer must ask isn’t when their fence will fail, but rather how they can stay ahead of that inevitability through thoughtful planning and systematic maintenance.” Medley and the Bekaert Fence Pros are available to answer questions and can recommend the best Bekaert products for your project. Submit questions at https://fencing.bekaert.com/en/contact-us and a member of the Bekaert Fence Pro team will respond as soon as possible.

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