good fences, good neighbours

Since moving to the farm we have been discussing fencing. What kind? Where to put it? When to start? etc.  Rod has been hesitant thinking maybe we don't want animals on the farm so who needs fencing. Whats a farm without animals????  He and Zach would like an iron horse but Talia and I want one that is flesh and blood.

Once the barley came off the field and we saw 8 acres of grass discussions turned to maybe we should get a goat or two to help keep the grass down.  Well, with coyotes running through the area at night it isn't safe to have animals that aren't fenced or have a barn to live in.  Can't put animals in the original barn - thats for equipment. So the question is, if we have goats where will they live.  The plan became to tie them up in the field during the day and then move them in to a pen at night.  We were able to track down a large dog run that should keep them safe but also give them room to move around.  OK, shelter taken care of now all we need is goats.

Now to convince the husband that we need to work on a fence.  The first thing is to research cost of materials.  While searching on KIJIJI (I love kijiji) I found a farmer who had fence boards he was taking down.  He would sell them to me for $2/board.  That is a real steal of a deal considering they are solid oak 1x6x8.  So off we went to view the boards and the next thing I know we are the owners of 127 oak boards.  No fence posts to hang them on but this is a start.

trailer load of fence posts

 Next, run into Paula at the grocery store and start talking about the new place.  Paula and her husband also live in the country.  They have been boarding horses on their property for years but now that the horses have both died the fencing has been taken down so the farmer can plant more crop.  What are their plans for the fencing?  To get rid of it.  Perfect.  Negotiations are made and we head for their place to pick up posts and wire to make more fencing.  Well, those posts are huge.  They came from old telephone poles. Not the regular posts you would put in for fences but great for corner posts.  The posts take up all the room in the trailer so another trip will need to be made for wire and a few extra posts.

Paula and her husband take us for a walk around the property and happen to stop at their old play centre that they recently dismantled.  Do we want it?  Of course!  It will save us building a new one for the grandkids to play on at the farm.  How about the chain link fence?  Sure, we will find some where to use it.  Maybe around a chicken coop? (hint hint)

All in all a very productive week for construction materials.  Now, when are we going to start building that fence?  Anyone want to come help?   Maybe by next spring I can actually have some animals on my farm.