Barbed wire mesh fences

Barbed wire fences remain the standard fencing technology for enclosing cattle. The wire is aligned under tension between heavy, braced, fence posts (strainer posts) and then held at the correct height by being attached to wooden posts and battens, or steel star posts. The gaps between star posts vary depending on terrain. On short fences in hilly country they may be placed every 3 yards (2.7 m), while in flat terrain with long spans and relatively few stock they may be spaced up to 30 to 50 yards (46 m. Many farmers place posts 2 meters apart as battens can bend causing wires to close in on one an). Wooden posts are normally spaced at 2 rods (10 m) in any case with 4 or 5 battens in betweenother.