Fencing is one of the most important investments you can make for protecting your homestead. Whether you're safeguarding crops, livestock, or gardens, a well-designed fence system serves as the frontline defense against deer, predators, and even neighboring livestock. Over the years, I’ve learned that a successful setup requires not just durable materials but also thoughtful planning, leveraging both modern tools and old-world techniques. Here’s a detailed look at what we’re doing and some additional tips to improve your own homestead protection.
Fencing is a major issue right now. As we start planting seeds, time is running out to get the fence fixed before the seeds go into the ground. With the massive deer herd and other predators looming, our plants and fruit trees have little time before action needs to be taken.
Items In This Video:
IMOUMLIVE Mini Chainsaw https://amzn.to/3OLpP6n
Gallagher S30 Solar Electric Fence Charger - 20 Miles/60 Acres https://amzn.to/3SgD5AJ
AgriOtter Aluminum Electric Fence Wire for Garden Fence https://amzn.to/3ud2IKD
Briidea Solar Fence Alarm with Light Transmission https://amzn.to/3HEVIt3
Smart Light | Electric Fence Voltage Indicator | Solar Powered | Non-Contact https://amzn.to/3HABoJz
RiteFENCE Electric Fencing Premium Stand Off https://amzn.to/3ugM6Sn
SPINNING JENNY WITH BRAKE https://amzn.to/3SCjOuK
Affiliate links help support our homestead at no cost to you.
For clearing, we used a 6-inch battery-operated chainsaw. It's lightweight and perfect for small trees and limbs. Historical context reminds us that early homesteaders relied on hand saws and axes for this task, often turning cleared wood into fence posts or firewood. Today, tools like chippers let us turn cleared brush into valuable mulch, while hardwood logs can be used for hugelkultur beds—an age-old technique for improving soil fertility.
Tip: When clearing, look out for invasive species and eliminate them thoroughly to prevent regrowth. If hardwood trees are present, consider milling them for future fencing or furniture projects.
Historically, wooden split-rail fences were common, as they could be built entirely from on-site materials. They were often paired with natural deterrents like thorny hedges or ditches to keep animals out. While effective, these methods required significant labor and didn’t work well against larger animals like deer.
For modern homesteaders dealing with persistent deer herds, staggering the fence lines can make a big difference. Deer struggle with depth perception, so offsetting lines creates a visual barrier that they hesitate to jump. We’re welding rods to extend the fence height to 8 feet—a cost-effective alternative to purchasing taller posts.
Tip: If you're on a budget, look for salvaged materials. Old T-posts, wire, and even pallets can be repurposed to create durable fences.
Historically, shepherds and farmers relied on natural predators, guard animals, and watchmen to protect their fields. While these methods are still valuable—consider geese, donkeys, or livestock guardian dogs—modern technology gives us additional layers of security.
Tip: Motion-activated lights and noise deterrents can also be great additions. Strategically placing these near fence lines can further discourage nocturnal predators.
We’re also considering involving local schools and colleges through work programs or internships. This approach not only provides extra help but also teaches the next generation essential skills.
Tip: Engage your community by offering hands-on workshops or agritourism events. Sharing knowledge fosters goodwill and can even bring in additional income.
In the Ozarks, where our homestead is located, historical orchards often utilized natural barriers like dense shrubs to protect trees from foraging animals. We’re inspired by this history as we plan to incorporate bamboo groves and berry bushes along the fence line to serve dual purposes: protection and harvest.
Fencing is a major issue right now. As we start planting seeds, time is running out to get the fence fixed before the seeds go into the ground. With the massive deer herd and other predators looming, our plants and fruit trees have little time before action needs to be taken.
Items In This Video:
IMOUMLIVE Mini Chainsaw https://amzn.to/3OLpP6n
Gallagher S30 Solar Electric Fence Charger - 20 Miles/60 Acres https://amzn.to/3SgD5AJ
AgriOtter Aluminum Electric Fence Wire for Garden Fence https://amzn.to/3ud2IKD
Briidea Solar Fence Alarm with Light Transmission https://amzn.to/3HEVIt3
Smart Light | Electric Fence Voltage Indicator | Solar Powered | Non-Contact https://amzn.to/3HABoJz
RiteFENCE Electric Fencing Premium Stand Off https://amzn.to/3ugM6Sn
SPINNING JENNY WITH BRAKE https://amzn.to/3SCjOuK
Affiliate links help support our homestead at no cost to you.
Clearing and Preparing the Fence Line
The first step is removing brush, overgrowth, and fallen trees that obstruct the fence line. On our property, many of the fence lines had gone untouched for over 15 years, leaving them choked with prickly pears and invasive bushes. Clearing these is a time-intensive task, but it allows for easier fence installation and maintenance.For clearing, we used a 6-inch battery-operated chainsaw. It's lightweight and perfect for small trees and limbs. Historical context reminds us that early homesteaders relied on hand saws and axes for this task, often turning cleared wood into fence posts or firewood. Today, tools like chippers let us turn cleared brush into valuable mulch, while hardwood logs can be used for hugelkultur beds—an age-old technique for improving soil fertility.
Tip: When clearing, look out for invasive species and eliminate them thoroughly to prevent regrowth. If hardwood trees are present, consider milling them for future fencing or furniture projects.
Choosing the Right Fencing System
We’re experimenting with a combination of traditional and modern materials, including a 7-strand electric fence system. This setup provides versatility for protecting both crops and livestock. Electric fences are particularly effective because they deter animals without causing harm, but they require regular maintenance and reliable power sources.Historically, wooden split-rail fences were common, as they could be built entirely from on-site materials. They were often paired with natural deterrents like thorny hedges or ditches to keep animals out. While effective, these methods required significant labor and didn’t work well against larger animals like deer.
For modern homesteaders dealing with persistent deer herds, staggering the fence lines can make a big difference. Deer struggle with depth perception, so offsetting lines creates a visual barrier that they hesitate to jump. We’re welding rods to extend the fence height to 8 feet—a cost-effective alternative to purchasing taller posts.
Tip: If you're on a budget, look for salvaged materials. Old T-posts, wire, and even pallets can be repurposed to create durable fences.
Protecting Crops and Livestock
A major challenge we face is balancing protection for diverse needs: keeping livestock in while keeping predators and deer out. To achieve this, we’re employing solar-powered fence energizers with lithium batteries. These are not only sustainable but also provide reliable energy, even during grid-down scenarios.Historically, shepherds and farmers relied on natural predators, guard animals, and watchmen to protect their fields. While these methods are still valuable—consider geese, donkeys, or livestock guardian dogs—modern technology gives us additional layers of security.
Tip: Motion-activated lights and noise deterrents can also be great additions. Strategically placing these near fence lines can further discourage nocturnal predators.
Building Community Support
One thing that stood out during this project was the importance of strong relationships with neighbors. Our neighbor granted permission to amend the shared fence line, which saved us significant time and resources. Historically, rural communities often came together for barn raisings or fence installations, understanding that mutual support was key to survival.We’re also considering involving local schools and colleges through work programs or internships. This approach not only provides extra help but also teaches the next generation essential skills.
Tip: Engage your community by offering hands-on workshops or agritourism events. Sharing knowledge fosters goodwill and can even bring in additional income.
Balancing Modern and Traditional Approaches
While electric fences and lithium batteries are invaluable, there’s wisdom in blending old techniques with new innovations. For example, using hedgerows or natural barriers alongside fencing not only strengthens the boundary but also supports local ecosystems. Hedgerows provide shelter for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals, which can enhance pollination and pest control on your farm.In the Ozarks, where our homestead is located, historical orchards often utilized natural barriers like dense shrubs to protect trees from foraging animals. We’re inspired by this history as we plan to incorporate bamboo groves and berry bushes along the fence line to serve dual purposes: protection and harvest.
