Fencing projects are an investment that many farmers do not take lightly. 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.

Due to the success of the Lincoln Trail Fencing School Grayson County hosted in 2019, there was still a large interest in a 2020 program, however due to COVID-19, there was no ability to host one safely. By 2021, restrictions eased, and the need was still there due to changing input costs, CAIP education and general interest in learning. Throughout the year, it was one of the programs producers asked about the most.

Working with a local producer/contractor, UK Biosystems and Ag Engineering, and fencing partners, the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent facilitated planning for the 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.

The fencing school was hosted on April 24th, 2021 from 8-4 p.m. and 28 people participated from Grayson and surrounding counties. Many new and experienced producers were in the class, representing different livestock groups (small and large). The classroom program covered basic fencing laws from the Ag and Natural Resources Agent. Basic fundamentals of fencing and fencing types, and electric fencing basics were taught by industry representatives. Due to a large rain event, the on farm demonstration was moved to behind the office and hands on fencing techniques were discussed, as much as the rain would allow.

With this being the first in person program held at the extension office in several months, there was a large turnout and many were ready to ask a lot of questions. One hundred percent of the people in the program took something home they could utilize on their farm. Other farmers were able to gather resources to utilize when planning to update existing fence. Overall it was a great collaborative program between industry and extension.