ELECTRIC fencing can be cost effective and improve performance, according to a new report from Rob Massey, managing director of Tru-Test, who market PEL electric fencing systems.

He said more Scottish farmers are looking to focus on grassland utilisation this year and electric can prove a more effective alternative to conventional fencing.

“The set up costs are obviously much lower with an electric fence than a traditional permanent fence – around 90p/metre compared to £6-8/ metre for posts, stock netting and barbed wire – however, this is not the only reason farmers should consider electric fencing options,” said Mr Massey.

“There are significant gains to be made in terms of grassland utilisation. Electric fencing allows stocking rates to be increased because grazing can be managed much more effectively.

“Being able to move a fence, quickly and easily, as seasonal growing conditions change, means you are much more likely to graze grass at the optimum time.

“This particularly applies to ryegrasses that have a short window for optimum regrowth. If ryegrass is grazed with less than two leaves, the plant suffers significantly – affecting vigour and growth. If you wait and graze with more than three leaves, the productively of the plant is compromised as lower leaves are overshadowed," he said.

Mr Massey added that having a grazing system that allows farmers to manage grass growth effectively will significantly influence the productivity of that grassland, which in turn can potentially double stocking rates, while also increasing productivity per hectare by up to 60%.

Managing grassland better will also impact on the on-going management of the grass crop – for example, the amount of nitrogen needed by monitoring the grazing platform.

“Electric fencing systems, if managed correctly, give the farmer a comprehensive understanding of their grasslands potential and that also helps with long term planning such as reseeding programmes," he said.

“To get the best results, get advice, research, talk to other farmers – find out what works best and design your system. Managing an electric fencing system is a different mindset to other forms of grazing management, and its important you know how to use it effectively.

“It is important to invest in quality components. This will lead to less maintenance problems and increase the fence life-expectancy.

He added that electric fence can also:

• Deter predators – Natural England has carried out successful trials to determine the heights of electric wire to be used to exclude badgers from areas of your farm. *

• Improve animal safety – animals are less likely to damage an electric fence as they usually don’t touch it more than once which reduces maintenance.

• Be moved quickly and easily – If you are near a footpath it is important to display warning signs on all electric fences and it is recommended to discuss any electric fence erection near a public right-of-way with the local authority.

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