Daviess County Extension Service has partnered with faculty from the Princeton research station over the past 4 years to host two of the University of Kentucky fencing schools.  Farm fencing across western Kentucky is in constant need of repair and replacement.  The fencing schools provide an opportunity for farmers to receive adequate training on fence construction.  Most will request support from the County Agriculture Investment Program for partial funding for their fence construction project.  UK specialists and fencing industry experts use classroom instruction and hands-on demonstration to teach the basics of a well-built livestock fence.  Participants learned that poor fence condition increases risk of liability to a farm business as animals are more likely to gain access to public roads, greatly increasing risk of a motor vehicle accident or access to adjoining crop fields where property damage may occur.  Participants gained knowledge pertaining to fence law and responsibility of the adjoining land owner.  A unique aspect of the event was that participants were able to physically participate in the demonstration of correctly constructing a livestock fence which they can repeat on their own farm. 

Fencing is a capital intensive infrastructure construction project.  The useful life of a high tensile woven wire fence is expected to be 30 years.  Substantial maintenance required prior to 30 years greatly decreases the return on investment.  Participants learned that paying additional money for higher quality materials and installing them correctly will decrease liability, extend the useful life and provide proper containment for the herd.