Electric Fences - Uses and Benefits

Animal control is perhaps the most widely recognised reason for electric fencing. Not only does electric fencing keep domestic animals or livestock contained, it has various other important uses, including:

• Keeping wild animals and vermin out
• Separating different groups of animals
• Allowing rationing of crops and pasture
• Fencing animals off from eroding areas, trees, rivers and roads

Another significant reason for using electric fencing is for the effect it has on farm profitability. Electric fencing has revolutionised pasture management techniques and better pasture management means better profitability for farmers. Permanent or portable power fences are used to subdivide pasture to ensure even distribution of manure over grazing areas. In this way, pastures are kept fresh, short and palatable which ultimately leads to increased milk and meat production.

Find out more about pasture management techniques.

Other key benefits of electric fencing:

• Affordable
• Easily constructed and maintained
• Durable, because of low physical contact
• Light weight and easily transported
• Easily modified
• Less animal hide and pelt damage
• Deterrent to trespassers and predators.

More about farm profitability through New Zealand grazing based systems.