Hey Jolties! We’ve been rolling out quality fencing solutions since 2006, that’s 20 years of helping farmers with reliable fencing systems in all conditions.
Whether you’re managing bulls, horses or mixed stock, good fencing makes life a whole lot easier.
Today, we’re putting the spotlight on rotational grazing. From temporary break fences through to semi-permanent cells, having the right setup can improve pasture performance, stock management and overall farm efficiency.
But first, what is rotational grazing?
Rotational grazing, sometimes called cell farming or cell grazing, involves dividing larger paddocks into smaller grazing areas, or “cells”, and regularly shifting stock between them.
Instead of animals continuously grazing one large area, they’re moved onto fresh pasture while previously grazed areas are given time to recover.
The result? Better pasture utilisation, healthier soils and more control over your stock.
Why more farmers are using cell grazing
- Better pasture utilisation
One of the biggest advantages of rotational grazing is reducing pasture waste.
When stock are left in large paddocks, they tend to selectively graze the best areas while trampling or fouling the rest. Smaller grazing cells encourage more even grazing, helping you make better use of available feed.
Controlled grazing can also improve pasture production over time, with many farmers noticing stronger regrowth and improved dry matter yields across the season.
- Healthier pasture and stronger recovery
Pasture needs time to recover after grazing. Continuous grazing can weaken plants, reduce root growth and limit regrowth potential.
Rotational grazing allows paddocks to rest between grazing’s, helping grasses recover properly before stock return. This encourages:
- Stronger root systems
- Improved pasture density
- Better moisture retention
- Faster regrowth during active seasons
It also helps create a more resilient pasture system during dry conditions by maintaining a “feed wedge” across different growth stages.
- Easier stock management
Smaller grazing areas makes livestock easier to manage day-to-day. Whether you’re shifting cattle, handling young stock or managing horses, rotational setups allow you to:
- Monitor stock more easily
- Simplify feeding and grazing management
- Reduce bullying and uneven feeding among stock
- Improve safety when handling animals for health checks, drenching, weighing etc.
- Move stock quickly during wet conditions
- Soil and environmental wins
Rotational grazing can also support better soil health and reduce pasture damage.
Shorter grazing periods help minimise pugging during wet weather, and even manure and urine distribution can improve soil biology and organic matter levels over time.
Other benefits may include:
- Reduced runoff around waterways
- Improved worm activity and soil structure
- Better weed control through managed grazing pressure
- Less overgrazing and bare ground exposure
Setting up: Temporary fencing makes rotational grazing easy
Portable electric fencing is one of the easiest ways to create a rotational grazing system without the cost of permanent subdivision. Temporary fencing is flexible, affordable and easy to adjust as grazing demands change throughout the season.
Key benefits of temporary fencing:
- Quick and easy to move
- Suitable for a wide range of stock types
- Cost-effective compared to permanent fencing
- Excellent for break feeding and controlled grazing
- Easy to adapt for different paddock sizes and terrain
It’s also ideal for:
- Protecting waterways or young crops
- Temporary stock containment
- Strip grazing
- Training animals to respect electric fencing
Once animals have experienced an electric fence, most quickly learn to avoid it, making future management much easier.
Choosing the right setup
Every farm is different, so choosing the right products depends on your terrain, stock type and how permanent you want your system to be.
Here’s a breakdown of our most popular products for temporary fencing:
Fibreglass Rods
Jolt Fibreglass Rods are hugely popular because they’re lightweight, durable and especially useful on uneven or steeper terrain where flexibility matters. They’re also ideal for semi-permanent setups where fences are not being shifted every day.
Available options include: 1.2m and 1.5m Fibreglass Rods, new Ground Lock Fibreglass Rods with arrow ends, and Tread-In Rods.
As a general guide, rods are commonly spaced around 5 metres apart, although spacing will vary depending on terrain and stock pressure.
Standards
Pigtail Standards are another great option for portable fencing systems.
Our galvanised piggies have proven especially useful in coastal environments thanks to their rust resistance and durability. The woven lacquer coating helps provide additional UV protection and longer product life.
Polywire and Tape
A reliable conductor is essential for any electric fencing system.
Our European-made 2mm Polywire is designed to handle tough NZ conditions and performs exceptionally well under tension. Popular options include: 2mm and 3mm Polywire, 3mm Braided Polywire, 12mm Tape and 40mm Tape.
Note, for horse fencing, wider tape options can provide improved visibility and safety.
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SIDE NOTE – 40mm Tape proves safer for horses Electric fencing for horses doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, but it does need to be safe and highly visible. Many horse owners are now switching from traditional wire fencing to electric tape systems to help reduce injury risks and improve paddock flexibility. Melanie Richardson from KJR Contracting made the switch after experiencing a serious fence injury involving one of their horses. “On reviewing the prices Jolt were by far the cheapest, so we replaced all of our wire fences with Jolt outriggers, insulators and tape,” says Melanie. The result was a safer, more visible fencing system that offered greater peace of mind around their horse paddocks. |
Reels, handles and accessories
The right accessories can make shifting fences quicker and easier.
Our Loaded Geared Reels come preloaded with 500m of 2mm Polywire, making them a handy option for fast fence changes and break feeding.
Other popular accessories include:
- Loaded Reels with Handle
- Unloaded Reels
- Electric Fence Handles
- Gate Handles
- Compression Springs
- Standard and Premium Clips for Rods
Final note
Rotational grazing is all about control.
Control over pasture quality, stock movement, feed utilisation and pasture recovery.
Whether you’re running cattle, horses or mixed livestock, a flexible fencing setup can help you get more from your pasture while making day-to-day farm management much simpler.
If you’d like help choosing the right setup, please get in touch.
Explore the full Jolt product range here and don’t forget to sign up to get fantastic deals straight to your inbox!