How Much Does a Livestock Fence Cost in 2024?

Average Livestock Fence Cost

Livestock Fence Cost Factors

Many factors impact the cost of fencing installation, including the choice of materials, the density of the mesh, and the length of the fence. 

Material

The price for the actual fence material is the biggest livestock fence cost factor. Some types of wire fencing for livestock cost more than other types. The material you choose depends on the animals you need to enclose or the purpose of the fence.

• Hog wire fences cost $3 to $10 per linear foot installed. This type of welded wire fence is meant to keep animals, like hogs, enclosed in a pen. 

• Woven wire fences cost $1.50 to $6 per linear foot installed. They’re an attractive option on farms and ranches and are not hazardous to children or pets. 

• Barbed wire fence installation costs $1.25 to $6 per linear foot, including materials. It’s a common option when you need to cover miles of fence line to secure animals.

• Chicken wire fencing is an affordable option at $2 to $4 per linear foot with installation. The lightweight wire can contain small animals.

• Cattle fences cost $2.50 to $7.50 per linear foot, including installation. Woven with high-tensile wires, thicker bull fencing needs to be stronger to withstand large animals pushing against them.

• Electric fences cost $1 to $6 per linear foot installed. The electrified wires deter livestock and unwanted animals from touching the fence. 

• Welded wire fences cost $3.50 to $10 per linear foot to install. The welded steel wires form a sturdy grid and can be built with or without wooden frames. 

Mesh Size

The mesh size greatly impacts the material needed for a wire fence. Woven wire fences with 2-by-4-inch mesh cost more per foot than fences with 6-by-6-inch mesh. The denser mesh results in smaller holes, which are preferable for fencing livestock because feet and hooves can’t get through. Larger mesh allows for greater visibility and may be suitable for cows, goats, and sheep.

On average, a 100-foot roll of 2-by-4-inch, five-foot high woven wire mesh costs about $180 to $190. For about the same price, you may be able to get a 330-foot roll of 6-by-6-inch, four-foot-high mesh. 

Fence Size

The fence length and height impact how much your livestock fence costs because longer fences increase both material and labor costs. A long, tall woven wire fence costs more than a short one. Woven wire fencing is often sold in rolls ranging from 100 to 330 feet in length. Most rolls are four, six, or eight feet tall. 

Posts 

In most cases, the wire fencing material can’t stand alone, so posts must be installed every few feet to support it. The cost of the posts depends on material, height, and thickness.

• Wood posts cost $20 to $50 each, making them one of the more affordable options. However, wood is susceptible to rot and may not be as durable as other options. They also may need replacement every few years.

• Metal posts cost $25 to $60 each. They tend to be thinner and last longer than wooden posts. They may not be strong enough to hold heavier wire, so you may need to place them closer together. 

Gates 

Gates in your wire fence provide access to your yard or property. They cost an average of $150 to $600 each. At least one gate is required, but you may need to include several if the livestock fence covers a large area. Four-foot openings allow walk-through access, while gates for vehicles may need to be five to 14 feet long. 

Other Fence Parts

Miscellaneous parts and hardware further increase the cost of your livestock fence. Common examples include nails and staples to attach wire fencing to posts and concrete to secure the posts to the ground. 

Additional Livestock Fence Cost Factors

When budgeting to install a livestock fence, it’s important to consider these additional cost factors. 

Permits

Local authorities may require you to obtain a permit before upgrading your home, including adding a new hog wire or cattle fence. Building permits cost anywhere from $50 to $800. Be sure to comply with local zoning regulations, especially for electrified fences. 

Labor

The labor cost to install a wire fence depends on its size and complexity. Local fence contractors usually provide a quote on a per-foot or per-hour basis, which adds up to the total price for the fencing project, including materials. 

Woven wire fence installation may cost $40 to $60 per hour or $1.10 to $2.50 per linear foot. One acre has a perimeter of about 835 linear feet, which works out to about $920 to $2,090 in labor costs. 

Land Grading

Most properties aren’t perfectly level and clean. Before installing a new wire fence, you may need to invest in land grading or re-sloping. This can involve accommodating changes in elevation and terrain and clearing obstructions like trees and brush. The average cost to level a yard is $2,175, but grading the future fence line around a large pasture can cost more. 

Livestock Fence Replacement vs. Repair

Part of the expense of installing a livestock fence involves factoring in periodic repairs and replacements. Fence repair costs $300 to $940 on average. Minor repairs may only cost $50, while extensive damage can net a repair bill in the thousands. While you may be able to repair some segments, replacing damaged sections of woven wire fence costs much less than replacing the entire fence. 

Damage to chicken wire, hog wire, and other types of wire fencing can compromise its integrity. It becomes easier for livestock to escape and unwanted wildlife to invade your yard. It’s usually best to replace a broken section unless the repair is minor and mostly cosmetic. 

Does a Livestock Fence Increase Home Value?

For prospective buyers of farmland and pasture, having an effective cattle fence already in place means one less thing to worry about. This may help close the deal sooner than if the rural property lacked effective fencing altogether. 

A livestock fence typically prioritizes function over fashion. It doesn’t have to be attractive, but it should be reasonably clean and effective at keeping cattle, sheep, chickens, and other livestock safely enclosed on the property. 

Budgeting for a Livestock Fence

To save money on your woven wire fence project, keep these budget-friendly tips in mind:

• Check height requirements: You may not need to build six-foot fences when four-foot fences will do. Shorter fences are more cost-effective.

• Stick to the basics: It may look nicer, but chain link fence installation costs more than woven, hog, or chicken wire. The latter options can be just as effective in rural settings.

• Choose the right wire: Different livestock call for different wire materials and mesh sizes. 

• Buy materials in bulk: Carefully calculate exactly how much wire fencing you need for your project, adding up to 10% or more for wastage and overage.

• Book in the off-season: Local fence contractors may offer discounts when they aren’t as busy working on other projects. 

• Invest in solid posts: Slightly higher upfront costs for strong posts can save you from costly repairs and replacements later on.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.