Ask Steven Sarson a fencing question, and he has an answer. “I quite honestly enjoy the educational side of my job, which is why we have the Ask the Fence Pro option on our website, fencing.bekaert.com. I just replied to four questions this morning,” explains the Bekaert Fence Pro and Regional Sales Manager.
Working in the steel fence industry since 1991, it’s tough to find a question Sarson hasn’t responded to, because as he explains, fencing isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. “There are a number of different styles of fence and products within each style that work for certain animals or containment or exclusion goals,” he explains.
“Depending on stocking densities, a fence is either a physical barrier or a boundary. If they are grazing on a 10,000-acre cattle ranch out west where forage is scarce and stocking densities are low, a fence is a boundary,” Sarson says. “Whereas, in the eastern part of the country where forage is plentiful, densities increase, and the fence becomes much more of physical barrier.”
Regardless of purpose or style preference, before buying a roll of fencing, Sarson says to consider cost-per-foot. And, he explains producers can most often get the best price if they purchase the strongest wire. Which is the reason Sarson says calculating cost-per-foot often begins with tensile strength. Tensile strength is the resistance of steel or another material to break under pressure. As Sarson explains, the greater the tensile strength, the smaller gauge, lighter weight and less flexible the steel, which reduces cost per roll, risk of sag and number of fence posts needed to complete the project.
Determining the protective finish needed depends upon the region, Sarson explains. “It’s interesting, in the west— Kansas, the Dakotas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana—a Class 1 coated wire will last almost as long as a Class 3 coating in the east because in the east we have acid rains, high humidity and coastal air.”
If you have any questions about choosing a fence or are looking for installation tips, Sarson directs customers to the Bekaert website, https://fencing.bekaert.com. The website also features a place to connect directly with Sarson or other Bekaert Fence Pros.
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