Barbed Wire Fencing

The Industrial Revolution brought the first barbed wire fences, which were widely used after their introduction in the mid-19th century. This technology made it economically feasible to fence range land for the first time. In the United States, introduction of barbed wire contributed to the range wars of that century, as various ranch  interests attempted to use barbed wire fences to claim exclusive access to the best pasture and water resources, including those lands in the public domain. It also exacerbated tensions between cattle ranchers and crop farmers, partly when access to water was involved.

Typically four strands of barbed wire, with the lowest strand 12-16 inches from the ground and the top strand 40-42 inches above the ground is common for range and cross fencing. Better-quality fences have five strands, and are commonly used for highway, perimeter, and high pressure areas. Other variations exist, depending on local requirements and the purpose of the fence.

Barbed wire is particularly effective for containing cattle. In pastures containing both cattle and sheep, one or two strands of barbed wire is used in conjunction with woven wire to both discourage cattle from reaching over the top of a fence and to keep sheep from crawling under. Though often used in many areas for horses, barbed wire is not advised; Horse Safe Fencing is recomended . There is very high risk of injury occurring when a thin-skinned, fast-moving animal with long legs runs into it or puts a leg through the strands.

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