June 21, 2018
Grounding an electric fence
Steps to Good Electric Fence Grounding Systems
Grounding is perhaps the most neglected component of many fence systems. We recommend three ground rods, 6’ deep and spaced 10’ apart are the minimum recommendation. Never attach copper to steel. Electrolysis can occur and result in corrosion which weakens shocking power. Use galvanized ground wire and grounding rods to avoid this problem.
Consider that most energizers use galvanized or stainless steel terminals – not copper. Think of your ground system as an antenna that gathers electricity in order to deliver the shock to the animal. Modern satellite receivers can tune in to more television channels than the “rabbit ear” antennas of the past. A hose clamp holding a piece of copper wire to a rusty t-post has been the weakest link of many electric fence systems.
June 19, 2018
Shade Haven Portable Livestock Shade Canopy at Field Day
|
|
June 09, 2018
Types of cattle / livestock scales for your farm
Livestock scales are available in a wide range of sizes, capacities, weighing technologies and specifications to suit the varied needs of different farmers. Common types include:
Beam platform scales – These mechanical scales are not sold often and can be costly to install or repair, but some livestock farmers still prefer to use them.
Flat livestock scales – These are great for weighing cattle, since they are designed for use with large animals, and may include battery-operated systems for mobility.
Single animal scales – Available in different sizes and load capacities, these systems include enclosures to hold and weigh one animal at a time with extremely accurate measurements.
Portable and mobile livestock scales – These portable weighing systems are perfect for farmers who sell cattle in lots, since they can weigh multiple animals at the same time.
Stationary livestock scales – These load-cell weighing systems are highly accurate and durable even in extreme working environments. They are available in various sizes and capacities.
Livestock truck scales – These are also available in various sizes and capacities to suit different weighing applications, and they are low maintenance for cattle farmers.
Livestock ring scales – These are custom designed as comprehensive systems that can be installed in existing barns and processing plants for livestock weighing.Ho
June 06, 2018
National Forage Week - June 18-24, 2018
The American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) is celebrating National Forage Week with the agricultural community June 17-23, 2018. Slightly less than 2 percent of the total U.S. population lives on a farm, making it more difficult for the general public to relate to farming and the accompanying benefits and challenges.
As the general public moves further away from its agrarian heritage and the rural lifestyle, AFGC strives to bring farming and forages into greater public awareness with National Forage Week, now in its fourth year of celebration. Mark Kennedy, AFGC president from Missouri says, “National Forage Week was first celebrated four years ago and was well received by the forage community as one might expect, but more importantly others outside of the forage community were made aware of the importance of forage.
AFGC’s goal is to create an awareness of the many roles that forages play in today’s society. Forages not only provide quality food for livestock, but also provide food, cover, and shelter for wildlife; provide diverse habitat for pollinator species; reduce soil erosion and improve soil health and filter sediments to reduce water pollution. Not only that, forages also provide beauty to the landscape and provide places for recreation. We’ve got a long way to go, but as AFGC and its state affiliate councils get the word out at the local level we’ll make progress."
The National Forage Week campaign is designed to raise awareness and educate the public about the role of forages in dairy and meat consumption. Consumers are increasingly inquisitive and concerned about their food sources, and AFGC is positioning the organization to better understand consumer concerns and inform consumers about the role of forages and forage production.
Gary Bates, director of the Beef and Forage Center at University of Tennessee and chairman of the AFGC National Forage Week committee, says, “We often take forage crops for granted. We look at a beautiful pasture and see the grazing livestock and not the forage. The most impactful plants in our world are right under our feet. Many people do not realize how much forage plants impact their lives. From meat and dairy all the way to ornamental grasses, forages touch most people’s lives in some fashion.”
The National Forage Week promotion includes social media blitzes, photo fliers for local circulation, cameo videos, email blasts and press releases. Any interested groups or individuals wishing to engage in the promotion are encouraged to email AFGC at tina.bowling@afgc.org to receive promotional links, shareable across several electronic formats.
The campaign is expected to grow each year to add additional coverage in farming publications and congressional designation, as forage touches everyone’s lives. Bates says, “Forage crops are some of the most flexible crops in the world. They can be used for their beauty in gardens, as food for livestock, or as tools to save our environment. Without forages, or world would be dramatically different.”
AFGC is asking for support at the local level from forage producers across the nation to help get the word out by putting up fliers in the local farm supply stores, sending press releases to hometown papers, arranging for a public service listings on local business reader boards and posting Facebook, Twitter or other social media posts.
AFGC will be equipping each of their 22 state forage affiliates with promotional materials in addition to the national organization’s campaign. Promotional materials may be acquired by emailing: tina.bowling@afgc.org. Tina Bowling, AFGC Executive Director says, “I encourage everyone to share the National Forage Week video that’s online at the AFGC website (afgc.org) and share your forage experiences at #NationalForageWeek or share a forage photo at #ForageFanaticFoto because forage isn’t just about food and fiber but water quality and soil conservation too.”
To learn more about participation in National Forage Week visit afgc.org.
May 31, 2018
Basics of Electric Fencing
Electric fencing is ideal for grazing or pasture management by containing animals on a selected area of pasture or crop. It also may be used to protect gardens and landscapes from animal damage.
“An electric fence takes less than half the time to build compared to traditional fence systems.”
In 1938, the first electric fence was developed in New Zealand by Gallagher. Since that time, electric fencing systems have made farm and ranch life easier. Today, both permanent and portable electric fencing products are used all over the world.
Electric fencing is ideal for grazing or pasture management by containing animals on a selected area of pasture or crop. It also may be used to protect gardens and landscapes from animal damage. Permanent electric fencing is economical, easy to install and easy to maintain. Temporary electric fencing is an effective temporary barrier for short-term animal control and rotational grazing. Electric Fencing is...
- Safe: Animals remember the short, sharp but safe shock and develop respect for the fence.
- Easy to install: An electric fence takes less than half the time to build compared to traditional fence systems.
- Durable: A non-electrified fence experiences constant wear and tear under stock pressure. Because your animals learn to avoid an electrified fence, your fence will last longer and remain in good condition.
- Economical: Electric fences cost less than 50% of traditional non-electric fences.
May 30, 2018
Common Electric Fence Mistakes that are easy to fix
A helpful video for understanding the most common electric fencing mistakes users make. Problems in Electric fences are either from the 1.)Electric fence energizer, or fence charger, 2.) The electric fence itself, meaning wires, posts, or insulators, or 3.) in the earth ground system of the electric fence.
Visit us at www.gallagherelectricfencing.com for helpful solutions to problems with electric fences on your farm.
May 29, 2018
Electric poultry netting questions
Will the electric netting work for free range poultry?
Yes, in most cases as long as the birds are clipped wing or are a non-flying species like Cornish. The netting will also act as a predator deterrent. It doesn’t take much of an energizer to contain a chicken, but a mid-range charger is needed if there is also a predator issue.
May 28, 2018
How to test an electric fence
Here is a great video on how to check an electric fence for problems and to assure it is working properly.
Find more great electric fence answers and help at www.gallagherelectricfencing.com
Buy your electric fence energizers and fence testers from us today!
May 15, 2018
Estimated Costs for Livestock Fencing
Fencing costs are one of the most expensive aspects of livestock grazing. The type of fence constructed greatly impacts the cost per foot, total cost, and annual ownership cost. In addition, the shape of the paddocks affects the amount of materials needed and labor required for construction of the fence.
This publication compares the costs of building a 1/4-mile (1,320 feet) straight perimeter fence with four different types of permanent fencing plus temporary interior fencing. These are: woven wire, barbed wire, high-tensile non-electric, high-tensile electrified, and temporary interior fencing.
The type of fencing selected varies by personal choice and the species of livestock to be confined. In general all configurations shown can be used with cattle, woven wire and high-tensile electrified can be used with sheep, and woven wire can be used with hogs.
The list of materials needed for each type of fencing is from Fencing Costs for Nebraska (see references at the end of the article). Costs were adjusted to 2005 prices provided by a number of Iowa retailers, although prices may vary. Labor was figured at $13.60 per hour, the average fence building labor charge reported in the 2005 Iowa Custom Rate Survey, FM-1698. Gates have not been included in the estimates.
