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Hi I'm Leslie

I'm a full-time farmer in Western Wisconsin where I raise meat goats and sheep on pasture using regenerative and rotational grazing practices.

I created this website because
I had so many people reaching out, both locally and beyond, wanting to know more about how I was raising and marketing goats.

I also recognized that it IS so hard to find information in this space. I wanted to share what I've learned along the way and reduce your time searching the depths of the internet.

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Q&A: All things goat and sheep fencing

I may earn affiliate income from links in the blog post, including through the Amazon Associates program as well as other brand partnerships. I only promote products I actually use in my farm and business.

Fencing for sheep and goats can be challenging. The topic alone generates plenty of questions and comes with real-world troubleshooting on the farm.

In this Q&A session, Gallagher expert Ray Williams joins me (Leslie Svacina of GrazingWithLeslie.com and Cylon Rolling Acres) to answer questions submitted by fellow farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders.

Key topics on goat and sheep fencing covered include:

  • Terrain challenges and animal training
  • Electric fence setup and grounding
  • Permanent vs. portable fencing options
  • Troubleshooting ideas
  • Cost-saving tips and funding resources

Watch the full Q&A video


Resources mentioned in the video

Here are the tools and resources mentioned in my YouTube video Expert Q&A Session: Goat and Sheep Fencing Challenges and Set Up. From fencing products to energizers and planning tools, this list covers everything we discussed.

Fencing Products and Tools

  • Smart Fence – Portable 4-wire electric fence system.
  • Sheep and Goat Netting – Electric net fence for small ruminants. Uses turbo wire, which is more highly conductive than traditional poly wire built into net fencing.
  • High Tensile Wire – Ideal for permanent multi-strand electric fences.
  • Turbo Wire – Braided plastic wire with high conductivity, used in both Smart Fence and netting. Also great for building multistrand temporary paddocks.
  • Woven Wire Fence – Traditional wire fence with graduated spacing, used in perimeter fencing.
  • Fiberglass Posts and Clips (⅜ inch) – Recommended for steep or uneven terrain.
  • Post Insulators – For use on wood or metal posts to prevent shorts.
  • Fence Tester – Essential tool for measuring fence voltage accurately. (Economical option or my favorite one)
  • Ground Rods (3 ft T-handle) – Portable grounding rods for temporary systems. Easy to pull out.
  • Ground Rod Wire (Galvanized) – Connects ground rods back to the energizer.
  • Offset Insulators – Used for modifying existing fences (t-post or wood post option).

Energizers


Fence Maintenance + DIY Suggestions

  • Dry Silicone Lubricant – For maintaining Smart Fence reels.
  • 3/8″ Steel Rod – Helpful for punching holes in tough ground before placing Smart Fence posts.
  • Gas-Powered Weed Eater or Brush Cutter – For clearing fence paths.
  • ATV + Chain Link Fence Drag – A creative DIY tool for mowing down tall vegetation.
  • UTV + Mower Path Beating – Used to prep fencing lanes before installation.

Grazing and Fence Planning Resources


Gallagher customer service and Smart Fence replacement parts ordering

Often fencing brands, like Gallagher, will ofter technical assistance to their customers to help troubleshoot any challenges or questions on the farm or ranch with their respective fencing equipment and energizers.

If you have specific questions with your fencing set up and you’re using Gallagher product(s), you can call their customer service line at 1-800-531-7908.

This same 800-number can be used to order replacement parts for the Gallagher SmartFence. Note, our coupon code does not work on these phone call orders. But fortunately, replacement parts are pretty economical.

Final thank you

Finally, a special thank you to the Ray Williams and the team at Gallagher for working with me on the special Q&A session for sheep and goat fencing. While I am part of Gallagher’s Homesteader partner program, this project was done simply as an opportunity to help other farmers and ranchers with their goat and sheep fencing challenges.

I know fencing is an important facet of our farms, especially with small ruminants, and it often can be the breaking point of folks getting out of raising sheep and/or goats. If I can help others set up a fencing and grazing system that works for their farm, ranch or homestead that is a big win in my book.


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Legal disclaimer: All information provided is based on personal experience and is provided for educational and information use only. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless our website, company and owner for any direct or indirect loss or conduct incurred as a result of your use of our website and any related communications. This applies to, but is not limited to, business operational information and consulting, as well as farm and goat management practices.Any animal health information provided on this website is based on personal experience or information provided by others whose treatments and practices have been discussed with a veterinarian. In all situations, it is the responsibility of the livestock owner to consult with a veterinarian before using any animal health practices shared on this website or by this company and its owner. See the full legal disclaimer here.