EIF-A_Lasting Contributions

MAKING A FENCE
Chris; and daughters Ava, 12; Autumn, 11;
Emma, 8; and Elly, 6. In addition to goats, they
also raise stock cows, hair sheep, and chickens.
For farmers in Eastern Iowa who graze
livestock, fencing is essential and a necessary
expense.
“Each farm is an ecosystem. Everything
works together,” said Brad Ketchum, an animal
fencing expert from Gallagher who presented
a program at a recent Iowa State Extension
fencing and grazing seminar.
Among the considerations farmers weigh are
available acres, proximity to water and a power
source, other geographical limitations, the
types of animals and how they behave, and the
need for permanency (pasture) versus movability
(paddock).
Hoerschelman said she did more of a deep
dive into fencing as she and Chris added livestock
to their operation, learning about the best
materials and ways to keep costs down.
“Initially when we started farming, my husband
was crop farming,” Hoerschelman said.
“With four kids, we decided we would venture
into animals. We have a lot of pasture ground
that’s not able to be crop farmed, so we use that
for the cows. Cows are pretty big. For the girls
and I to be involved with the farm, and that’s
what we want, we needed to get some smaller
animals.”
“For the girls and I
to be involved with
the farm, and that’s
what we want, we
needed to get some
smaller animals.”
— AMANDA HOERSCHELMAN
Dwaine Kunde, Owner
Specializing in all types of ag construction including:
• Ponds
• Terraces
• Silo Demo
• Waterways
• Scraper Work
• Tree Removal
• Building Demolition
• Long Reach Excavator
• Stream Bank Stabilization
• Rock and Material Hauling
• Site Prep for Livestock Facilities
• Site Prep for Residential
and Commercial, New Construction
or Renovation
Spragueville, IA 52074 • Phone: 563 593-3142 | 563-689-4921
eifarmer.com SPRING 2024 | EASTERN IOWA FARMER 81