4 Best Fence Materials to Use on Your Ranch

Montana Fence Resources

Closeup of a wooden post fence.

Fencing plays an important role in farm and ranch operations. A strong, durable fence that can withstand harsh weather conditions, wildlife, and livestock is an asset to your business and lifestyle. At Montana Fence, we have many fencing options to fit the needs of local farmers and ranchers and maximize their investment. It can be tricky knowing what type of fence fits your needs best, so to help you choose the best fence materials possible, we’ve outlined the top types of fences for ranches and laid out the specs of why they’re the best for your needs.

Top 4 Fence Materials for Ranch Use

Barb Wire 

Barb wire fence may be one of the most popular for Montana ranchers and farmers. Barb wire is cost-efficient, easy to install, and only requires a small amount of planning and construction. As you know, it is very important to ensure your livestock is safe and secure. Barb wire fence is well-known for keeping livestock protected through its twisted wire design and strategically placed barbs every 5 or 6 inches. This material remains a favorite in our store because of its easy installation, flexibility, and durability in harsh climates. Best of all, it won’t break your bank!  

High Tensile Smooth Wire 

High tensile smooth wire is, essentially, barb wire minus the barbs. High tensile smooth wire is an asset to your land because of its strong high carbon steel core. This helps the wire stretch far distances and maintain its durability. High tensile smooth wire is not only strong but cost-efficient, as well. Because the material can stretch, less wire can be used to fence in an area compared to other materials. High tensile wire is a solid choice for keeping livestock and horses fenced in and keep intruders out, especially for large portions of land. 

Non-Climb Horse Fence 

Non-climb horse fence is a favorite material with our smaller farm and ranch owners. This fence is a wire material with a 2” x 4” rectangular pattern, and it is often reinforced with wooden or horizontal beams. Our team suggests the non-climb horse fence for smaller pastures specific to horses, goats, sheep, or similar animals. Because the non-climb horse fence is mainly wire, the fence will not rot and doesn’t need to be replaced often. The unique design of the non-climb horse fence also helps prevent horse injuries. Horses are less likely to step through or get caught in this type of fencing material than others. Bonus, non-climb horse fencing’s unique design also helps ensure livestock safety from predators and other animals.  

Treated Wood 

Treated wood post and rail is another choice material among ranchers. Treated wood gets the best of both worlds for looks and functionality as it has a complementary aesthetic and is highly durable. Because the wood is treated, it is less likely to rot and is pest resistant. This gives treated wood a longer lifetime, even when it’s up against Montana weather conditions. Many ranchers prefer treated wood for fields or pastures closer to their homes, as treated wood is very pleasing to the eye and flattering to homes and landscapes. It’s important to note that the installation of wood posts is more expensive compared to other materials such as t-posts. We are happy to discuss that factor and provide a free estimate!

Let Us Make Your Decision Easy 

We hope this information is helpful for deciding what type of fence fits your ranch best. At Montana Fence, we understand that fence material is important to the success of ranching and agriculture. Our team is here to help make fencing decisions easy and convenient for you. To discuss functionality, durability, and price of materials for your Montana ranch, give us a call or find us online.  

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