Fencing

What kind of fence should I build?

When planning a fence you should consider purpose, cost, ease of installation, maintenance requirements and longevity.  If you are designing grazing cells, consider variables such as plant productivity and access to water.  Grazing cells don't have to be square.  Base your plan on the pasture resources.  

The following are two excellent publications - highly recommended:

Fences for the Farm (University of Georgia)

Planning Fencing Systems for Intensive Grazing Management (University of Kentucky) (PDF)

Wired for wildlife: deer-friendly fences - North Forty News, Cherry Sokoloski

Colorado Revised Statutes pertaining to fencing and livestock

Is my neighbor required to fence her animals in? 

Colorado is a "fence out" state. This means it is a landowner's responsibility to fence unwanted livestock out.  The law does not require the livestock owner to fence livestock in. The livestock owner does have responsibilities, however. For example, livestock owners must provide animals access to adequate food and water. The livestock owner may be liable if livestock trespass on neighboring properties because there is insufficient food or water on the owner's property. The cost of constructing a lawful fence between two properties is shared by neighboring landowners. Colorado fence laws are part of the Colorado Revised Statutes.