How much stuff should a new affiliate buy and when should they buy it? Our many affiliates probably all have different opinions, and I’m sure some of them would do things differently if they could start all over again. This would make a great discussion topic on the Affiliate Facebook Group, by the way, but here are some things to think about in the meantime.
We will be recommending specific models of fencing to you at the Goats On The Go® Affiliate Training & Conference on March 3 & 4. We’ll also tell you why we prefer some models over others. If you just can’t wait for the full explanation, the list of fence and energizer models eligible for our 15% discount from Premier 1 Supplies is available here (on FarmLaunch.me). All of the models in the list will work, but we have a definite preference for short, light, and simple.
You will likely be setting up your targeted grazing projects in multiple, small paddocks of 1/2 to 1 acre. The full length fences from Premier are 164’ long. Let’s do some math…a paddock that is 164’ by 164’ in a perfect square encloses 26,896 square feet. An acre is equal to 43,560 square feet, so a square paddock made from just four fences encloses 0.62 acres. A square paddock that uses six fences encloses 1.39 acres. So, we should have more than enough length with six full length rolls of fencing, EXCEPT…
We are rarely able to set up paddocks in anything that resembles a perfect square. Rectangles are more common, and as they become skinnier and skinnier they lose area quickly. A paddock made up of one roll of fencing on the ends and two on each side, for a total of six rolls of fencing, only encloses 1.23 acres instead of 1.39 acres if those same fences were set up in a square. AND…
It’s always advisable to have enough rolls of fencing for the paddock currently being grazed AND the next adjacent paddock at the same time. That way the goats/sheep can be easily moved from one enclosure that is out of food to the next enclosure that is full of fresh vegetation. AND…
When doing targeted grazing projects there always seems to be a need for just one or two more rolls! Also, it’s a common practice to build narrow alleys with fence rolls to load and unload animals, and move them to non-adjacent paddocks.
Our standard advice is to buy 10 - 12 rolls of fencing and one high quality solar fence energizer rated at 1 joule or larger. Some affiliates find that shorter rolls are easier to carry. If you go that route, make sure that you end up with a total length of fencing equivalent to 10 - 12 164’ rolls. You’ll probably buy more equipment once you get some projects under your belt, but this will be more than enough to give you a good start.
By the way, Goats On The Go, LC has built a Fenced Area Calculator spreadsheet that affiliates can download from FarmLaunch.me. Just enter all of the fence lengths that you use to build a paddock (hypothetical or real) and the calculator will spit out an approximate area for the enclosure. It’s a fun tool to mess around with, and it will help you visualize how your equipment will be used in practice.