Insulated fencing an innovative solution

Taranaki beef farmer, property developer and dairy farm investor Mike Swift is a keen early adopter of new technology. When redeveloping his 150-acre coastal property on the outskirts of New Plymouth, he was looking for an innovative fencing solution that was functional, simple to install and easy on the eye.

Gallagher’s Insulated Line Post system includes a fully insulated polyethylene and fibreglass post for low-cost, lowmaintenance, permanent electric fencing for sheep, cattle, deer and horses. The system comes with pre-formed wire attachments and snap-on clips.

“The concept first caught my eye at the Mystery Creek Fieldays,” Mike, who has an agri-banking and business development background, recalls.

“Because of the coastal location of our property, I needed something durable that was UV resistant and wasn’t prone to corrosion in the salty sea air. The look of Gallagher’s Insulated Line Post System means our views of the property are not interrupted.

“It also appealed to me because, while it’s great as a permanent fence, I was looking for a solution that could be easily removed and reused in the future if we decided to subdivide further.”

Mike purchased his Taranaki property in 2018 and redeveloped it into 50-acre blocks, with contouring and refencing work. He finishes cattle and also breeds bull sires for dairy farmers to use postartificial insemination (AI). Mike says he has confidence in Gallagher’s Insulated Line Post system to keep his stock where they should be.

“I needed a solution that could withstand all classes of cattle, from 4-day old calves to 700kg bulls scrapping and fighting. The flexibility of Gallagher’s Insulated Line Post system means I can select the number and height of my wires, depending on the animals I am rearing. Then it’s all powered up with one of Gallagher’s high-voltage energizer units.”

““I have had some wayward cattle run at the wires and

I’ve watched the line posts flex over and then bounce back with the clips still in place

Insulated Line Posts are strong yet flexible on impact, making them safe for stock.

“I have had some wayward cattle run at the wires and I’ve watched the line posts flex over and then bounce back with the clips still in place. The product is certainly meeting my expectations,” he says. Mike’s fencing contractor Daryn Laurence is used to putting up traditional post and wire fences. He had his reservations about the Insulated Line Post system but says as an electric fence solution it has its advantages.

“The system is really easy to install and ideal for a property on the coast like Mike’s. You don’t need a hammer or staples and there’s no heavy machinery required, so there’s a cost saving there.

“The line posts are fully insulated, which is a huge advantage, and they are light so you can carry up to 20 at one time,” Daryn says.

Mike is so impressed with the performance of the line post system he has recommended it to a friend who is doing some riparian planting.

“Fencing waterways on farm is a costly exercise, but these days it’s not negotiable,” he says.

“Gallagher’s Line Post System is a costeffective way to protect waterways and ensure that, as farmers, we are meeting our environmental obligations.”

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