How Much Does Horse and Farm Fencing Cost?

Pipe Fence Cost Factors

Pipe fencing is one of the most expensive types of farm fencing, but it’s popular because it is relatively low maintenance, durable, and strong enough to hold large livestock. Generally, a pipe fence costs anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot, including installation. However, various factors impact the price.

Length

Since square footage largely determines the price, length can add significant costs to both materials and labor; professional installation adds $2 to $6 per linear foot. For a square acre requiring 830 feet of fencing, that’s about an additional $1,700 to $5,000 for labor. 

Materials

The cost of farm fencing depends on the overall fence style, but the price of most materials is between $2 and $20 per linear foot. Pipe fencing is typically made of metal and tends to cost more than cable fencing, though there’s a whole range of fences for different budgets.

For example, a vinyl or PVC fence costs$10 to $40 per linear foot, which is similar to the cost of a chain-link fence or, on the low end, pipe fencing. A wire fence is the least expensive and can cost just $0.12 to $0.18 per foot (for six strands, the recommended amount for livestock fencing). 

Fence Height 

Different livestock require different heights for safety. Most fences are charged per strand, line, or braid per foot. The taller the fence, the more strands or lines it will need. Keep in mind that the cost to repair a tall fence is greater, and fences in non-standard sizes require more labor to adjust.

Gates

Livestock gates range in price from $150 to $400 and vary in length from six to 16 feet. Made of welded, tubular steel, these heavy-duty gates won’t warp, sag, or splinter like wood. Costs to install a steel fence and/or gate will vary by size, style, and other factors.

Land Clearing 

Soil and terrain impact price because they increase the time, materials, and equipment needed to install the structure. You may need to clear land in order to install a fence. The cost of land clearing is typically between $1.30 to $2 per square foot, but that price can triple if you need to clear heavily forested land. Most homeowners pay $250 to $1,000 per acre for land clearing.

Farm Fencing Cost by Type

The cost of farm fencing ranges from $0.02 per wire strand (with most people needing multiple strands for livestock safety)to $20 per linear foot. It depends on the type of farm fencing. Here’s what you can expect.

High-Tensile Wire Fence Cost: Electric and Non-Electric

A high-tensile fence costs $0.12 to $0.72 per linear foot. This price is for six strands, the recommended amount for livestock fencing. Each individual non-electric strand costs $0.02 to $0.03 per linear foot. Electrified, bare wire fencing is a little bit more expensive, with each strand costing between $0.03 and $0.12 per linear foot.

This type of fence is strong and resilient, so it lasts a long time. Low cost and low maintenance also make this a popular choice. However, low visibility increases the risk of animals becoming entangled or injured. Electrify the fence, use markers, and/or install the lowest wire several inches off the ground to help reduce potential harm.

High-Tensile Barbed Wire Fence Cost

The high-tensile barbed wire costs $0.03 to $0.05 per linear foot for each strand. You may need as little as three strands for goats or as much as five strands for sheep. This option is low cost and rustic, making it a popular choice for cattle. However, the sharp barbs can tear into a horse's thin skin and cause severe injuries. You must also regularly tighten barbed wire for it to remain effective.

HTP Line (High-Tensile Polymer): Electric and Non-Electric

A single line of HTP fencing costs between $0.10 and $0.15 per foot. Non-Electric HTP is on the low end of the price scale, at $0.11 to $0.13 per line, per foot. Electric HTP fencing runs the full spectrum, at $0.10 to $0.15 per line, per foot. Note also that installation costs are higher for electric HTP lines because they’re more difficult and time-consuming to set up. They also increase your monthly electric bill.

Both types of HTP line consist of high-tensile steel wires coated in polymer to prevent the line from cutting into livestock. Like traditional wire fencing, HTP line is minimal in appearance. The polymer is available in many colors, which can increase visibility. The coating also makes it safer for animals and more durable to impact, weather, and stretching.

HTP Rail (High-Tensile Polymer)

Each HTP rail ranges in price from $0.80 to $0.90 per foot and consists of three high-tensile steel wires spaced evenly and coated in polymer. HTP rails can be electric or non-electric. They mimic the appearance of split-rail fences but will not split, rot, or break like wood. HTP rail can last 30 years or more. These are most common for horse fencing.

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing prices range from $0.90 to $1.60 per rail, per linear foot. Vinyl is expensive, but the trade-off is durability. It can last 10 to 15 years with very little maintenance in warm climates. In colder climes, the material can become brittle, but it’s still safer than wood because it doesn’t splinter upon impact.

To prevent your animals from leaning into and popping PVC fence posts out of their accompanying rails, add a single strand of electrified wire. Hollow rails come in a variety of colors and styles to match the other structures on your property.

Hog, Bull, and Cattle Panel

A 16-foot wire panel averages $20 to $40, or $1.25 to $2.50 per linear foot. Spacing between wires and openings at the bottom of the panels vary, depending on the type of animal you have in your pasture.

Woven Wire 

Braided electrical fencing costs $0.10 to $0.14 per braid, per linear foot. Exact costs of installing fencing will depend upon the size and structure you choose. Electrobraid, a popular brand of braided, electrical fence, costs $1.54 per foot with installation and will last 25 years or more. 

With this type of livestock fencing, metal conductors transmit electricity to maximize power. Electric braids come in multiple diameters and colors and are more visible than other wire fencing.

Tape Fencing

Electric tape fencing ranges in price from $0.04 to $0.28 per strand, per linear foot, depending on the width. Most people need three to four strands for livestock. This option is popular because it’s low-cost and easy to install. Made of poly fibers and conductive metal strands woven together, electric tape is wider and more visible than traditional electric wire, though it cannot sustain heavy winds.

No Climb

You can purchase no-climb fencing for $1.39 to $1.89 per foot. Also known as woven wire, field fence, or diamond weave, this type of fencing is great for horses and other livestock because of its small openings. Strong wire is woven into grids for an aesthetically-pleasing solution that keeps your animals in the pasture and other animals out. No climb options are best for even terrain. This type of fence must be tightened regularly and checked for warping.

Split Rail Fencing

Costs to build a split rail fence, also known as a wood post and board, Kentucky board, or paddock fence, range from $8 to $32 per foot. This price includes two to four rails and required posts, but it depends on the material. Cedar and pine are the least expensive, while vinyl, aluminum, or steel can be the most expensive. You can add wire mesh for $1.80 per linear foot. The added cost to paint or stain a wooden fence will further increase the total price of the project.

A popular, traditional choice due to its strength and appearance, wood fencing is expensive and requires ongoing maintenance. When broken, wood may splinter and cause injury. If you are willing to pay more, brands like Priefert offer Ponderosa fences featuring wood posts with powder-coated railings that resist rot and splintering without additional maintenance.

Livestock Ranch Fencing Cost

The type of livestock your raise should determine the type of fence you install and how much you’ll likely pay for it. Here are some common ranch fencing costs.

Horse

If you have horses, you’ll want to choose a split rail fence, pipe fence, or tape fence. Split rail fencing is most common and costs $12 to $30 per foot, including installation. You’ll need three to four rails and a minimum height of five feet to keep horses safely enclosed.

Wire fences are less popular because they’re harder for animals to see and may lead to injuries. Nonetheless, they’re an effective, cost-saving choice. Expect to spend $3.50 to $8 per foot including installation.

Cattle

High-tensile barbed wire is best for containing cattle. Expect to spend $0.15 to $0.40 for the recommended five strands, excluding posts and installation. With installation, costs rise to $1.50 per linear foot for a standard, barbed wire fence. You may also want to use cattle panel fencing. This costs $20 to $40 for a 16-foot wide panel.

Goats or Sheep

High-tensile wire fences are typically strong enough for goats and sheep. You can use anywhere between five to eight strands for a perimeter fence. For six strands, expect to spend $0.12 to $0.18 per linear foot for non-electric wire and $0.18 to $0.72 per linear foot for electric wire. 

You may want to line the top and bottom of the fence with barbed wire to keep out predators. This costs an additional $0.03 to $0.05 per strand per foot. You’ll need two strands.

Game

For deer and other game, the best choice is woven wire at a cost of $0.10 to $0.14 per braid, per linear foot. Expect to pay about $1.80 per foot in materials to cover an 8-foot-tall structure that will prevent animals from jumping or climbing over the top.

DIY vs. Hiring a Fencing Company 

Installing a livestock fence is a sizable project. Most homeowners don’t have the expertise or equipment required. It’s particularly complicated if you’re installing an electric fence. A fence contractor can help you choose the right kind of fence, install it in the safest way possible for livestock, and make precise measurements. Since improper installation comes with a risk of harm or loss of valuable livestock, you’ll probably want to hire a fence contractor near you.

Labor Costs

Professional livestock fence installation adds $2 to $6 per linear foot on top of the cost of materials. This could add roughly $1,700 to $5,000 per acre. 

FAQs

What is the best fence type for livestock?

It depends on the type of animal you’re planning to raise. Woven wire or high-tensile wire is popular because it’s inexpensive and you can use it for pigs, sheep, and goats. For cattle, add a layer of barbed wire.

Horses don’t do well with single strands of wire because it’s hard for them to see. Instead, choose mesh wire, tape, or split rail fences. Keep in mind that the fence should be no less than five feet tall, and large horses may require an even taller fence. 

What’s the best type of fence to prevent deer?

Use a game fence made of woven wire to keep deer and other wild game from trespassing into your pasture or garden. A deer fence should be 8 feet tall to prevent climbing or jumping.

How long does a pipe fence last?

A steel pipe fence will last about 25 years if properly maintained, though it could last even longer. This type of fence is extremely durable.