Fencing Fundamentals for Farms and Forestry

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your fencing system, this hands-on workshop will equip you with practical tools and knowledge to build and manage effective electric fences for livestock and land protection.

Join us for a comprehensive day covering the basics of electric fencing, energizer selection, grounding techniques, tree protection strategies, and the pros and cons of permanent vs. portable fencing systems. We’ll explore how fencing needs vary across multiple species—including poultry, cattle, and sheep—and what to consider for mixed-species operations.

The NRCS will also have their grazing equipment trailer on hand, so that you can demo various types of fencing and watering equipment.

We’ll cover:

• Selecting an appropriate energizer, including solar set-ups
• How to properly install your energizer
• Grounding systems for energizers
• Small ruminant fencing options
• Electric netting use
• Protecting young trees

And as usual, much, much more!

A highlight of the day will be a fencing walk, where we’ll tour and discuss real-world fencing setups currently in use, including systems designed to protect new tree plantings and some creative improvising. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to adapt fencing to your own farm or grazing context.

Registration: Free admission. Lunch is provided. Registration is requested, and we’ll provide you with additional information and updates.

Inherent Risks of Agritourism        Inherent Risks of Livestock Activity

SFA staff and volunteers occasionally take photos during our events for promotional purposes and to use as documentation to share with our funders.  If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our event host know — we’ll make every effort to make sure you are not photographed.

This event is hosted in partnership with Great River Greening. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).