Fencing projects are an investment that many farmers do not take lightly. Done correctly, it can be a 25 year investment. Understanding basic principles of fencing can help a producer understand how fence their own property, or to understand the cost associated with hiring someone to do it for their farm.

Based on the idea of an advisory council member, the Agriculture agent worked with this producer/fence contractor to develop a program for participants to learn basic fencing techniques and try hands-on demonstrations. The contractor went to a fencing school hosted by UK College of Ag and Food Science in 2018 and wanted to develop the program based on that event. The Agriculture and Natural Resources agent reached out and was able to get their information to use to make packets for participants with publications associated with fencing basics. The contractor worked with two industry partners and a local farmer to teach the classroom portion, and set up a demonstration fence on location. Local businesses sponsored the meals.

The fencing school was hosted on April 9^th, and 32 participated from Grayson and surrounding counties. Many new and experienced producers were in the class. The classroom program covered basic fencing laws from our county attorney. Basic fundamentals of fencing and fencing types, and electric fencing basics were taught by industry representatives. After lunch, the participants were able to watch and participate in a demonstration on high tensile fence construction from the local fence contractor and industry representatives.

One hundred percent of the participants learned at least one new technique throughout the day. Several positive comments were made. “This was the best hands-on demonstration I have ever participated in. Thank you.” “We learned a lot of things we have been doing incorrectly.”