THE HISTORY OF AGRICULTURAL FENCING

Posted by & filed under Agricultural Fencing, Horse Fencing.

Aside from obvious barriers, agricultural fencing has served a much larger function as a distinction of territory and protection from outside predators. It serves to not only keep livestock or wildlife contained in a specified area, but it also keeps out elements that would otherwise disturb or even put those animals in danger for their lives.

 

Historically, domesticated livestock would typically wander freely without an area, governed only by overseers of some sort (such as shepherds). Fencing was initially used to keep them out of farming areas, where they would uncontrollably decimate a local area’s only means of food if left unchecked. In turn, fencing eventually became mandatory as population densities increased and the amount of needed farm land outgrew the need for grazing areas.

 

Early fences were cobbled together from whatever materials were available, such as stone or wood. Rocks tilled out of the soil during cultivation of farmland would be transported to the border of the area to aid in building or to strengthen the fence.

 

Modern fences include wire with barbs to serve as a further  deterrent for livestock looking to either escape or graze in forbidden areas. This was largely due to the Industrial Revolution and the greater availability of stronger materials.

 

In time, various designs of fences were developed to meet the specific demands of various livestock or wildlife, such as the smooth wire, deer fence, and even the electric fence.  Regardless of the type of livestock fence you choose, you will sleep better at night knowing your beloved animals are secure.

 

Posted by: General Timber

Board Fencing vs. Rail Fencing

Posted by & filed under Horse Fencing, Pressure Treatments.

One of the most important aspects of owning a farm or ranch is having a reliable and sturdy fence that protects your animals and determines boundaries.   For those in need of an animal fence in North Carolina, there is not a better fencing option than General Timber.

 

General Timber makes long-lasting, pressure treated wood fences for farms and ranches. We make two types: board fencing and rail fencing. So what are the notable differences between the two?

 
Our board fencing is a traditional looking fence treated in either Creosote or CCA. Board fencing generally utilizes fence posts every 8 feet. Planted at a 2 ft., 6 in. depth, board fences use horizontal boards across the posts in order to keep animals in, and intruders out. General Timber offers different board configurations so you can choose how many boards, with wire if needed, to span over each 8-foot section.

 

How many boards you use depends on the size and abilities of the animals both on and outside of your farm. The more boards you choose to use, the better the fence will do its job. You could use a 2-board fence for horse riding arenas and working areas, while a 3 or 4-board fence is good for livestock.  Additionally, we offer rough-cut, untreated oak and poplar planks that can be dyed black—something unique, if you’re interested.

 

Meanwhile, rail fencing is a very strong option with posts placed two feet in the ground and spaced almost ten feet apart. We like to call our “Three Rail Classic” fence “bullet proof.” It’s extremely stable and durable, and has a service life of 30+ years!

 

Our Two-Rail fence stands waist high and isn’t for controlling animals. Instead, it’s used decoratively, setting boundary lines between the fields and the roads for farm or residential entrances.

 

Because we pressure treat our fences, both board and rail, they last a long time and hold their good looks for a many years as well. Call us at General Timber if you have any further questions about board and rail fences—we love to talk fences!

 

Posted by: General Timber

 

You Are Only As Good As the People Around You

Posted by & filed under General Timber News.

Some of the most vital cogs in any business or professional organization are office secretaries.  Most businesses would be lost without their trusted and dedicated secretaries, who often have to juggle a myriad of different jobs each workday.  Put simply, it would be difficult for many businesses to survive without office secretaries who handle many of the day-to-day operations of the business.

 

With that in mind, General Timber would like to take the time to honor two of our most valued employees; Sandra Smith and Lisa Jenkins, our office secretaries, who are not only friendly and courteous; they are also integral components of our operation.  They have been with us for many years, and their diligence and attention to detail is commendable.  Additionally, they account for 99.9% of all phone sales taken at our office, and it’s safe to say that only truly knowledgeable and organized personnel could handle such a tall task.  As the old adage goes “A first impression is a lasting impression,” and we couldn’t feel any luckier that either Sandra or Lisa is often the first person our customers talk to.  We couldn’t choose better representatives of our business.

 

We have tremendous confidence in the value and quality of our products, yet products are only as good as the service center behind them.  Here is to hoping that we are blessed with Lisa’s and Sandra’s presence in our service center for many more years to come.