Farm & Ranch

Over the years, S&J has developed a particular expertise in farm and ranch fence construction. Our farm and ranch crews have decades of experience completing rural projects and can build virtually any kind of farm or ranch fence.

Farm & Ranch
Game Proof

Our past completed fence types include:

 

 

What Type of Ranch Fence Do I Need?:

As South Texas ranchers know, there are endless combinations of options when it comes to ranch fence components and construction, and all of the following questions must be answered prior to starting a ranch fence project:

   •   Do I require site clearing and preparation prior to fence construction? If so, can the line be cleared by hand, or does it require heavy machinery?
   •   Should I use treated pine, cedar or steel posts?
   •   Do I need net wire, barbed wire, or a game-proof fence?
   •   What type of material and distance of spacing should be used for line posts?
   •   Where should gates be set and what size/kind?

S&J Fence assists our clients in evaluating their options in all phases of a fence project. We can help you decide what fence solution is right for you by evaluating your requirements for form, function and budget.

 

Form vs. Function:

This is the primary criteria that guides your fence project. Is your primary goal to construct a fence that will be attractive in appearance, or one that will control the movement of people and livestock?

For more attractive fences, the rustic look of cedar posts may be desired. Galvanized t-posts and intermittent cedar line posts give the fence a rustic, yet high-quality look, and will provide a long lasting product even in the harsh South Texas climate.

For more functional fences, treated pine posts are extremely durable and still provide an appealing appearance. And, utilizing 100% painted steel or galvanized steel t-posts is completely acceptable in certain situations while allowing for a very economical fence solution.

Lastly, the function of the fence, and whether the fence is an exterior or interior fence must be considered. This will determine the use of net wire vs barbed wire. For containment of smaller or more valuable livestock, and for exterior fences, where public roadways may exist and liability is a prime consideration, S&J highly recommends utilizing all galvanized t-posts for added longevity, as well as some form of net, or woven, wire. S&J has extensive knowledge regarding the many varieties of net wire, and their pros and cons. We also have direct contact with the wire manufacturers in order to address all of our client’s needs. Intermittent wood or steel line posts can also be utilized to add strength to the fence. Spacing of line posts for exterior fences should be no more than 18 feet, ideally 15 to 16 feet.

For clients looking to contain wildlife, such as whitetail or exotics, a game-proof fence, also known as high-fence, is the desired solution. S&J has completed turnkey game-proof projects all over South Texas and has developed the experience and efficient construction techniques necessary to deliver you a high-quality, economical game-proof fence.

For interior fences, where a secure, but more economical, solution may be desired, as few as four strands of barbed wire can be utilized and line posts may be 100% steel t-posts. Painted steel posts have a life expectancy of 20-30 years in the South Texas climate whereas galvanized posts can last in excess of 50 years before degrading. Spacing of line posts for interior fences can be up to 18 to 20 feet in order to maximize your budget.

 

Budget:

While form and function are primary considerations, a client’s budget must also be considered. S&J works with clients to provide a fence solution that meets their goals in accordance with the first two, while staying within the bounds of their budget in order to minimize capital requirements.