In March of 2022, major flooding in South-East Queensland destroyed the regions first decent crops in years. It also destroyed hundreds of kilometres of fencing.
Not so for Texas farmer Will Ramsay though, who was amazed at how well the Westonfence™ “stood up” around his irrigated crops.
“It was incredible really. Out of six kilometres, we probably only had to replace 200 or 300 metres.”
Will and his family run “Lilyvale”, an 800-hectare, centre-pivot irrigation property that predominantly grows corn, cotton and sorghum.
Originally, the Westonfence™ was installed to control damage done by feral pigs.
“When looking at our options we went to field days and did property tours … all types of things. It came down to either the Westonfence™ or a prefabricated-style fence.
Because 90 per cent of our crops are in flood country, the prefabricated netting would be a failure, so we ultimately felt that the Westonfence™ was the right fit for us.”
The Ramsay’s installed the electric fencing in 2020, using Westonfence™ D10 Insulated Suspension droppers around their entire irrigation area.
When the Dumaresq River flooded in March … taking crops and fences with it … Will was amazed at how well the Westonfence™ withstood the water.
“It did surprise me. Once the water receded, we were able to get all the debris off it. It was still a major job to repair it, but as far as the materials themselves go, they stood up brilliantly – it’s obviously very elastic, so wasn’t ruined by all the debris under the water.
The Westonfence™ actually stood up to the flood and was pretty easily repaired. It was great: we were able to reuse a large amount of materials.”
Will says they found the initial installation of the fence fairly straight forward.
“It was very easy really, once we got into the swing of it. The installation is specialised, but once you’ve got the gear, it’s actually quite an easy fence to put together. And it’s very economical, both in time and cost.”
As for the effectiveness in keeping out feral pigs, Will says they have “nearly 100 per cent success”.
“We’ve probably gone from losing 10 per cent of our crop annually, to losing very little.
“The fence is only as good as the power that you’ve got running through it, the way you wire it and the way you earth it. There is no point putting it up at all unless you do it properly. And if you do, the fence is great.”
Because 90 per cent of our crops are in flood country ... we ultimately felt that the Gallagher Westonfence was the right fit for us ... Will Ramsay
Flood Fencing, Feral Pig Exclusion, Floodplain Fencing, Exclusion Fencing, Riparian Fencing, Waterway Fencing
