Driving along old farming roads, you can see miles and miles of barbed-wire fencing, put up by farmers generations ago. The barbed wire fence was the staple of the cattle-herders of the west. It was preferred because it was inexpensive, and easy for the cowboy to string. Over the years it spread from the west to all over the United States. You could say it helped build the nation. However, these days more and more people are opting for wood or vinyl fences. The barbed wire is abandoned, or torn down and left coiled in fields and forests to rust. Both are very dangerous, and have caused many injuries to animals and people.
A barbed wire fence is inherently dangerous to wildlife, especially the nocturnal ones. There have been numerous cases of owls flying into barbed wire and becoming stuck. Deer, also, can catch on barbed wire while jumping.
Some people go through their fields tearing down their barbed-wire fences, but don’t dispose of them properly. Torn down wire is just as dangerous. Horses are particularly susceptible to barbed wire. Wire left in fields for a long time will become overgrown with grasses and bushes, and a horse can plow into it without even noticing it’s there. Unlike cows or goats, who will back away from danger, horses panic easily, and thrash in the wire.
The nature of barbed-wire is to cut and injure, so it is dangerous to dispose of. Without proper equipment and clothing, a DIY project could become a “take yourself to the ER” project. Proper tools, like thick leather gloves, and bolt and wire cutters are necessary. The barbed wire will need to be snipped away from the post. Depending on whether the posts are anchored in concrete or dirt, a jack-hammer or ax might be needed to uproot them. If you have none of these tools, or are not comfortable with such a massive project, it is best to call the professionals. They have the tools and the experience to remove your fencing and take it far away without a hassle.
Once you’ve rid yourself of that old barbed wire fence, you can replace it with something more farm-friendly. Wood and vinyl both make excellent fences and have the same effect (just a little less dangerous) when it comes to keeping your farm animals corralled. Dump that old barbed wire and step into the 21st century with luxurious and classy vinyl and wood fencing options for your pastures.
