What would happen if a single panel on your farm fence failed? Maybe livestock would escape, or wildlife would wander onto your land. In a single moment, thousands of dollars can be lost. This is why both quality installation and routine maintenance matter. A well-built fence lasts longer, and regular inspections help you catch problems early.

Wobbling

If you notice that your fence is wobbling, it’s likely because the posts have become loose or there’s an issue with one of the boards or rails. The exact cause depends on how much wobbling you notice. The material of your fence also plays a huge part. For example, wood fences are more prone to wobble and weaken across the middle when their posts start to weaken, while pipe and metal agricultural fences can wobble from loose connections between panels.

Check whether the wobbling is isolated to just one part of your fence or across the entire line. If you can, prevent animals from leaning on or going near the loose section until a professional can come secure it.

Corrosion or Rust

Although metal fences are treated to prevent damage, it can happen if there’s a large amount of water exposure or you purchased more budget-friendly materials. It’s important to make sure you only invest in metal fencing that’s been built for heavy farm life.

Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron reacts with moisture and oxygen. This can eat away at your fence, damage the hardware and cause structural instability over time. Plus, rust poses a safety hazard to humans and animals if they get cut on the metal.

See if you can safely remove the rust and apply a rust-resistant coating made for your fence type. Remove corrosion with a wire brush or sandpaper, then apply a rust-proof primer and two coats of rust-resistant paint. A professional who offers fence repair can also help you with this.

Leaning

Livestock can exert thousands of pounds of pressure per day on a fence, so leaning can occur over time, especially if you didn’t have your fence installed by an agricultural expert.

In addition to making sure your pastures and corrals are big enough to prevent overcrowding, you want to check posts for signs of leaning or loosening after storms. Waterlogged soil and high winds can also cause posts to fail.

Contact a professional to fix any leaning posts. Your fence may also still be protected by a workmanship warranty, which many quality contractors offer.

Gaps Under the Bottom Rail

If you see gaps forming below your fence, it’s likely due to shifting from age, soil changes or foundational issues. The best thing to do is reach out to a professional who can realign your fence while ensuring it’s fully anchored into the ground.

As soon as you notice trouble, get help immediately. The team at R O Fence Services is your local farm fence expert, so reach out to us anytime for professional agricultural fence services in Commerce City, CO!