Brand of Field Fence for Perimeter?

[NaturalSelection]

I have a 30 acre farm that is bordered by roads on two sides. I want to put up basic perimeter fencing primarily as a barrier to keep my dogs from getting to the road. There will be a riding lane between the perimeter fence and the horse pasture fence.

I’d like to get this “right” and only do this project once. Is there any difference between brands of field fence as far as the longevity / life expectancy of the fence?

Menards: http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/fencing/utility-fencing/galvanized-fencing/rangemaster-47-field-fence/p-1444436710564-c-5769.htm?tid=-4588331114856153062

Redbrand: http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/red-brand-woven-field-fence-330-ft-l-x-47-in-h

Thanks!
Katie.

[NoSuchPerson]

Around here, redtop (Red Brand) is considered to be the best quality and is the most expensive. And side-by-side, you can see a difference between that and some cheaper brands. (I’m not familiar with the other one you linked to).

Having said that, my property had a perimeter fence already up on 3 sides when I bought it. It’s one of the cheaper brands, not redtop. I’m guessing it’s about 10 years old at this point and it has held up very well, even with my neighbor’s addition several years ago of what is, IMO, too many cattle for the acreage, who sometimes crowd the fence.

[Frog_Pond]

I don’t know Menard’s, either, but I agree that Red Brand is excellent. It’s heavy duty and I’ve never seen a manufacturing problem – no sharp bits.

The most important thing about field fencing is in the artistry of installation, though. A cheaper fence in expert hands will last a lot longer than poorly strung Red Brand. Corners, braces, good posts, and an effective way to get that sucker tight – ALL of the details matter. The next most important thing is using the right fence for the right task. I had an old QH whose favorite hobby was climbing/destroying field fencing on his way to green grass. In hindsight (I was 8-12 when this was going on he never should’ve been anywhere near that kind of fence.

So – I’d consider installation & critters just as important as fence quality. That’s going to be an expensive job. I’d be comfortable with a cheaper fence if it just has to hold dogs and is going to be done right.

[Parrs_Gold_Bar]

Agree with Frog Pond- installation is key. We have a no-name perimeter fence that’s probably original to the property (40yrs old), it was done right, and has held up to weather, cows and goats.

We just strung reconfigured a 50ft length of fence this weekend, didn’t have the correct tools or knowledge, and it will need to be re-done before I put an animal inside.

Whatever ‘brand’ you use, make sure it’s installed properly.

[Jarpur]

We had King Ranch fence, made by Red Brand, installed as perimeter fencing, and it still looks like new after 18 years. We did put an electric stand-off on the inside to keep animals from leaning on the fence.

At the time, we were told that this particular “field fence” was heavier and had more galvanized coating (I’ve also heard that those qualities make it a bit more difficult to work with than the lighter-duty stuff). It was also excellently installed which, of course, makes a difference.

[fordtraktor]

You want class 3 galvanized, whatever brand you use.