How to Build a Goat-Proof Fence Part One

old wooden fence post

Over the summer holidays Bear and I put in many long hours building goat-proof fences on our Australian goat farm.

We would start early in the morning just after sunrise to work as many hours as we could before the searing heat of the afternoon. The morning light was absolutely gorgeous.

farm fence

To build a great goat fence, you need to start with great tools and materials.

A Tractor.

We used our trusty red tractor to carry heavy coils of thick fencing wire and to help us hold fence posts in place when it was time to tighten up fence lines. It is a life saver (not to mention a back saver!).

red farm tractor

Fencing Supplies

Our most important tools are fence clippers and clips. Bear slipped thick rubber tubing over our fence clippers to make them easier to use for hours at a time. It really helps keep blisters at bay.

fencing tools

Wheelbarrow

Our handiest tool is the wheelbarrow. When you’re building a large fence, you never know when you may need a pair of pliers to twist a feisty bit of wire in place, a big hammer to pound a wobbly fence post in place, or wire-cutters when you get to the end of one stretch of fence.

Instead of running back and forth to the shed to get tools as we need them, we pile every possible tool in our wheelbarrow and take it with us. I can’t tell you how much leg work has been saved by this simple habit.

It also provides handy shade for our dog Luna who loves hanging out with us when we’re working.

black wheelbarrow

We have our very own homemade post hole digger invented by Bear. He attached a huge drill bit to the end of an electric drill, and, using it like a jack hammer, drills a fence post hole into the ground. We can then easily pound each fence post into the ground using a large hammer or similar tool.

Perhaps the most important tool of all is a sturdy farm stool. Bear has a cheery round orange one and he built me one out of a wooden plank and some old metal chair legs. It cleaned up beautifully with a coat of red paint and a painted yellow bird.

red farm stool

The nice thing about working outside is the view – great swaths of Australian wild flowers meandering through the meadows. I love it.

Australian wildflowers

Now that we’ve got our fencing tools in order, next time we’ll look at actually building a goat-proof fence. It’s more fun and satisfying that it sounds. 🙂