Hog Wire Fence Cost
Particularly as a farmer, one of the most important investments you'll make is installing fencing around your property. Fences keep your livestock secure and separated from neighboring farms.
They also protect valuable crops from being trampled or eaten. One common fencing material for livestock is hog wire.
In this guide, we'll break down the complete cost of installing a hog wire fence so you know exactly what to budget for your farm.
What is Hog Wire Fencing?
Hog wire fencing, also called hog and cattle panel fencing, is woven wire fencing made from heavy-gauge galvanized steel wire.
Individual wires are woven in a diamond pattern with openings small enough to contain hogs, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock.
Compared to barbed wire fences, hog wire is less hazardous for animals. The openings are small but not so tiny that hooves or feet could get caught. Hog wire is durable, long-lasting, and maintains its shape over many years of use.
Common hog wire specifications include:
- Wire gauge: Typically 11-12 gauge steel wire is used
- Mesh size: Openings range from 4"x4" up to 6"x6"
- Panel height: Available in heights from 32"-120+" depending on application
- Panel length: Standard lengths are usually 16' or 25'
Basic Hog Wire Fence Cost Breakdown
The basic materials needed for a hog wire fence include the wire panels, metal posts, and necessary hardware for assembly. Here's an overview of typical costs:
Wire Panels:
- 4x4 16' Hog Panels: $20-30 each
- 4x4 25' Hog Panels: $25-35 each
- 5x5 16' Hog Panels: $25-35 each
Metal Fence Posts:
- T-Post (steel): $3-5 each
- U-Post (steel): $5-8 each
- Wood Post (treated): $4-7 each
Hardware:
- Hog rings: $5-10 per bag (200-500 pieces)
- Box of staples: $5-10 each
- Post drivers: $50-150 each
On average, plan to spend $3-5 per linear foot for basic hog wire fencing materials. This does not include labor costs for installation, which can vary greatly depending on terrain, post spacing, and number of installers.
Additional Cost Factors
Several other factors influence the total cost of a hog wire fence project:
Fence Type & Design
A basic single-strand fence will be cheaper than a more robust multi-strand design. Barbed wire outriggers add cost. Non-standard shapes, like curved fences, also increase materials and labor.
Terrain & Soil Conditions
Fencing installed on hilly ground or rocky soil requires more robust posts installed deeper, driving up material costs. Easier pasture terrain keeps costs lower.
Post Spacing
Closer post spacing (every 6-10 feet) yields a sturdier fence but uses more posts than wider spacing (every 12-16 feet). Strainer and corner posts also boost materials.
Labor & Installation
Having posts set and panels installed professionally can cost $3-6 per linear foot depending on conditions. DIY installation saves this cost but requires time and physical labor.
Gates
Farm and lane gates range from $75-250 each depending on size, hardware, and customizations like self-latching mechanisms.
Access & Transport
Rugged, remote sites escalate both material delivery costs from the farm store and time/gas spent transporting panels and posts piecemeal via ATV, truck or tractor. Fences near roads are more affordable to build.
Example Hog Wire Fence Projects & Costs
To help frame costs, here are example budgets for common hog wire fence builds:
Small Pasture Fence (1 acre)
Materials for 400 linear feet:
- 16 x 4x4 16' hog panels: $800
- 50 T-posts: $150
- Hog rings & staples: $50
Estimated project cost: $1,000-$1,200
Large Field Fence (10 acres)
Materials for 2,500 linear feet:
- 100 x 4x4 16' hog panels: $2,000
- 200 T-posts: $600
- Additional hardware: $100
Estimated project cost: $2,700-$3,000
Cattle Corral Fence
Materials for 750 linear feet:
- 30 x 5x5 16' hog panels: $1,500
- 100 T-posts: $300
- 4 gates: $300
Estimated project cost: $2,100-$2,300
Cost-Saving Tips for Your Hog Wire Fence
When planning your hog wire fence budget, consider these cost-saving strategies:
- Purchase panels and materials in bulk for volume discounts
- Use sturdy T-posts spaced 16 feet apart for cost efficiency
- Install the fence yourself to avoid paying labor fees
- Invest in quality post pounders or drivers to speed installation
- Build the fence in stages over time as funds allow instead of all at once
- Consider used or scrap materials from dismantled older fences
- Barter or trade labor with neighboring farmers for mutual fence projects
Financial Assistance Options
Numerous government programs offer grants, loans, and cost-share funds that can help offset the large upfront investment of new fencing. Research the following resources:
- NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- FSA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
- State department of agriculture grant programs
- Rural energy loans through USDA Rural Development
- Conservation stewardship through local conservation districts
Benefits of Investing in Hog Wire Fencing
While hog wire fencing requires a sizable initial outlay, it provides numerous long-term advantages for your farming operation:
- Safe, humane containment of livestock without risk of injury
- Defines property boundaries and pasture divisions clearly
- Prevents mixing or mating of livestock between herds/fields
- Stops entry of predators like coyotes or stray dogs
- Protects valuable crops from being trampled or eaten
- Galvanized steel panels withstand weather for 15-25 years
- Effectively manages grazing and feeding patterns
With proper installation and maintenance, hog wire fencing delivers decades of dependable service at a fair overall cost. An in-person consultation can help identify the most suitable product options and design to fit your budget.
Don't forget to research all potential cost-share and grant programs as well which may significantly offset your investment.
With advance planning and the right materials, you can feel confident about keeping your livestock secure for many years to come with a quality hog wire fence system.
