Hey Jolties, how do you choose the right fencing? From temporary, semi-permanent or permanent - not all fencing is created equal, but that’s a good thing! Because different farms, conditions and seasons call for different types of fencing. So whether you need something quick and portable or built to last, understanding your options is the first step to smarter farm infrastructure.
We have been supplying quality fencing since 2006, and this article is all about the different solutions: temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent. We look at key benefits for each and make a few suggestions across our product range.
1. TEMPORARY FENCING: fast, flexible and highly portable
Temporary fencing provides a very flexible and cost-effective way to manage livestock and pasture. It allows for rotational grazing, protecting crops and grass, and can be easily moved and adjusted to suit changing needs on farm.
Often referred to as electric, portable or cell farming – temporary fencing is ideal for many reasons.
Key benefits:
- Flexible: lightweight and quick to move to different locations, plus adjustable to suit many animal types.
- Pasture management: great for optimising grazing and allowing pasture to recover.
- Cost savings: less material and installation costs than traditional fencing.
- Animal control: excellent way to control animal movement and prevent damage or injury.
- Less labour: easier to set up and move than permanent fencing.
When to use temporary fencing:
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Uneven terrain: temporary fencing is great on uneven ground because it’s adaptable and allows for easy adjustments to follow the contour of the land. Fibreglass rods are especially handy for steeper terrain, more so than pigtail standards.
- Break-feeding: dividing paddocks into smaller sections using temporary electric fencing allows farmers to ration pasture effectively. Break-fencing allows you to offer your animals the freshest (and most nutritious) pasture at each grazing. This feeding approach should lead to better milk production and/or weight gain. It also reduces waste as animals are less able to trample and waste large amounts of pasture.
- Shifting stock short-term: portable electric fences allow for easy setup and relocation of stock. Again, smaller paddocks makes grazing easier to manage, which can improve overall animal health and reduce feed costs.
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Fencing off water-ways or new crops: temporary fencing is a quick way to shield out and prevent livestock from eating new crops or young trees around waterways.
- Training animals: once an animal has experienced an electric shock, most will not make the mistake twice and will respect all types of fencing across the wider farm.
Buyer’s guide for temporary fencing:
We hold an extensive range of products for temporary fencing, including our most cost-effective and bestseller fibreglass rods. If you act quick, you can enjoy a free driver cap with your order (available till 31st August 25) perfect for hammering in rods without risk of splintering or damaging them.
We’re often asked, “how many fibreglass rods should I order?” Generally speaking, we recommend spacing each rod about five metres apart, but do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like more advice on quantities.
Pigtail standards are another great choice for temporary fencing, and we’ve had feedback from customers that our galvanized piggies are the only ones not rusting for them – excellent news, especially for coastal farms. A woven lacquer coating gives them superior UV protection, strength and a longer lifespan.
2. SEMI-PERMANENT FENCING: Reliable and adaptable
Semi-permanent fencing offers a more robust solution than temporary fencing yet is still easier to shift than permanent fencing. Our customers choose this solution when their setups might change every few years e.g. subdividing larger areas, seasonal pasture management, or managing leased land. Always remember that regular inspection and maintenance is necessary to ensure all semi-permanent fencing remains effective.
Key benefits:
- Reliable: more durable than temporary fencing, able to withstand more wear and tear.
- Adaptable: easier to move and adjust than permanent fencing, allowing for more flexibility in your land management.
- Cost-effective: the moderate initial investment of semi-permanent fencing usually allows for less long-term maintenance.
- Versatile: suitable for a variety needs including subdividing paddocks to creating laneways or yards.
When to use semi-permanent fencing:
- Subdividing larger blocks: allows for rotational grazing or targeted grazing management.
- Seasonal pasture management: make easy adjustments to grazing areas based on pasture growth and animal needs.
- Lease blocks: provides a manageable fencing solution for rented land.
- Medium-term fencing needs: offers a durable, peace of mind solution for a few years.
Buyer’s guide to semi-permanent fencing:
Jolt products for semi-permanent fencing include hot-dipped Galvanised Y Posts which are easy to ram or hammer into soil for a long-lasting setup. There are eight predrilled holes in every post, making them suitable for most fencing applications.
Again, Fibreglass Rods can also be useful when you’re not changing-out your set up too regularly.
Next up, a good suitable Polywire. Our Loaded Geared Reels are preloaded with 500m of 2mm Polywire, making it easy to change or rearrange your set up. Look out for our combo deals for Loaded Reels – we’re regularly bundling up your favourite products to help you save.
A couple of things to consider when choosing semi-permanent fencing is the type of materials (e.g., electric, wire, or a combination) and its suitability for the livestock and terrain. Our European-made 2mm Polywire is strong and built to withstand NZ conditions – it’s unbreakable under tension!
3. PERMANENT FENCING: Built to last
Permanent fencing creates a durable, long-lasting boundary for your land and offers several benefits. Built to withstand the elements and livestock pressures, permanent fencing also reduces maintenance and provides long-term peace of mind.
Additional benefits:
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Increase long-term property value: permanent fencing demonstrates responsible land management and provides good overall security from stock wandering and reduces the risk of accidents. It also keeps out unwanted animals or people, protecting crops, property and stock – all factors that push up your property value and make it more appealing.
- Low Maintenance: constructed with robust materials, permanent fencing is designed to take the knocks of harsh weather and pressure from livestock, which minimises the need for repairs or replacements - saving time and energy.
When to use permanent fencing:
A few of the reasons why our customers choose permanent fencing are the same as discussed above, but the standout difference is the long-term durability this fencing provides – certainly a bigger investment initially, but it can pay off in the long run.
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Containment: permanent fencing, often high-tensile wire creates a reliable boundary to keep livestock in and unwanted animals out. It’s ideal for keeping valuable assets secure like crops, buildings, and pastures.
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Rotational grazing: permanent fencing allows for the creation of paddocks, enabling farmers to rotate livestock to fresh pasture, improving grazing efficiency and pasture health. Controlled grazing with permanent fences leads to increased grass production and better animal weight gain.
- Livestock management: helps confine animals to specific areas for feeding, breeding, or safer handling.
- Crop protection: permanent electric fencing can deter animals from damaging crops, gardens or orchards - leading to increased yields and profits without the worry of livestock escaping!
Buyer’s guide to permanent fencing:
When it comes to permanent fencing, it’s important to invest in gear that lasts and performs. From high-tensile wire to reliable insulators, we’ve got everything you need to build a fence that keeps stock in (or out).
To maximise the life of your wooden posts, consider installing outriggers. Ours are tough, easy to attach, and work best when fixed with our heavy-duty staples.
And of course, fencing and gates go hand in hand. Whether you're moving stock, accessing paddocks, or shifting gear, a smooth-swinging, reliable gate is essential. We stock a wide range of farm gates, from standard 2.44m (8ft) options to larger gates suited for raceways and machinery access.
Whether you need a single gate or a truckload, our bulk pricing makes large-scale fencing projects more affordable. The same trusted gate supplier has partnered with Jolt for over 15 years, and Northland farmer Des Simpkin sums it up well:
“Other farm gates can be pretty light. Jolt gates have guts to them, the galvanising is very well done.”
We also stock all of the gate hardware you need, including hinge and latch combos for safe, smooth operation in high-pressure environments. And our hot-dip galvanised gudgeons are a customer favourite, built to withstand tough coastal conditions. Brendon from Omamari Station in Dargaville had this to say:
“We were worried about sea salt causing rust, so that’s why we went for the galvanised gudgeons. They haven’t been in place for long, but already they’re doing their job well. My fencer really recommended them over what we get from other suppliers.”
Hey and don’t forget the tools to make the job easier, like fencing pliers and permanent wire strainers.
Final thoughts
Every property is different, and so is every fencing job. The key is matching the best fencing solution against your needs and budget – we have the right gear to get any job done, and if you would like help choosing the right fencing setup, please get in touch.
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