Filling the gap with fence

BY MAURA WENNER STAFF WRITER

For some, spring means the start of planting season. For others, it means turkey hunting. But for Bryan Carstensen, owner of Popple Creek Fencing in rural Sauk Rapids, spring marks the beginning of another season building fences.

“This year is my third season,” Carstensen said.

When it took two years before someone became available to build fence on his beef operation, and with other friends waiting for installs as well, Carstensen saw an opportunity in the agricultural industry.

“I knew there was a need in the area,” said Carstensen, who also owns Popple Creek Wedding and Events with his wife, Meghan. “There was a lot of demand for building fences and not a lot of people do it. I think because the old way of building fence wasn’t fun.”

The “old way” is difficult and timing consuming and consists of people having to dig holes and push posts by hand. However, Carstensen said the process of building fences has evolved into a less labor intensive and quicker means over the years.

“A lot of the equipment, fence itself, type of wire used, techniques and quality have all changed,”

Carstensen said. “With the right equipment, it’s actually pretty easy, and I have fun doing it.”

The main piece of equipment

Carstensen uses as he constructs fences for area producers is his skid loader with a post pounder attachment.

Carstensen is entering his third season of fence building after filling a demand he saw in the agricultural