Fencing and Pastures....

Predators! Alpaca owners agree that the best type of perimeter fence is the kind that best keeps your herd secure from predators. Predators can range from neighborhood dogs and coyotes to bobcats and cougars so any fencing plan should begin with how best to protect your investment.

Missouri Alpacas decided to use 5 foot woven wire fence around the perimeter of our 8 acre pasture. The fencing is attached to 8 foot wood posts sunk 2 foot in the ground. Around the top of the fence we ran two strands of high tensile wire (one electric) to deter animals who try to clear the fence. Around the bottom there is one strand of barbed wire to deter those animals who prefer to dig. There are no gates on the perimeter fence. Gates become the weak link in your fencing system and require special care to keep predators from breaching them. The main access to all pastures is through the barn.

Our "ladies" in Pasture #1.
There are 8 pastures surrounding the barn in a wagonwheel pattern.
This is a view of the woven wire strung between pastures
while interior wire is on t-posts.

Our barn sits in the center of the pasture and 8 paddocks surround it. Cross fencing separating the paddocks is composed of woven wire attached to 61/2 foot steel posts. A gate system near the barn provides for easy access to any pasture by creating a corridor. All gates have a one-handed latch for ease of opening and closing. The water source is located so that it is accessible from two adjoining paddocks.

The design allows for separation of the herd as well as a means to rotate pastures for grazing purposes. A well planned pasture rotation system should be able to provide adequate grazing for the herd year round, barring snowy and icy weather.

Be sure to look into resources in your area which can help with the design and cost of your pastures:
• The local Soil & Conservation department worked with us to provide aerial views and layouts of our pastures and through application we received grant money (cost sharing) for interior fencing and water lines.
• University Extension Centers offered classes on management intensive grazing and became a good source for grasses in our area.
• Other farms in your area, both alpaca and cattle or horses, can be a source for watering systems, contractors and materials you will need.
• Local MFA or farm stores can be a source for feed, medicines and supplies you will need for your barn.

The more things you can purchase locally the better. It not only saves on shipping costs but you build relationships with members of your community.