The Role of Fences in Commercial Horticulture and Small-Acreage Agriculture

Fences are used in agriculture to control the timing and intensity of use by domestic grazing animals or to preclude wildlife species that could damage a given crop. This bulletin focus on fences use in crop production to guard against damage and fecal contamination by wildlife. The impact of wildlife such as beaver, elk, deer, raccoons, rabbits, feral burros, javelina, and coyote could be an issue for growers. In areas such as Arizona with limited rainfall, forage diversity is limited, so irrigated cultivated plants may attract wildlife, including field and horticulture crops that are not well protected. Therefore, fencing is crucial for Arizona's crop production, especially among small-scale growers who do not have much to spare. Designing and properly constructing the best fence for the species and abundance of wildlife present is an important decision. In this bulletin, the aim is to highlight the critical roles of fences in commercial horticulture and small acreage operations, including factors to consider in selecting a fence, types of fences available, and associated challenges.