Quick Answer
A portable electric fence system for rotational grazing uses step-in posts, polywire or polytape, a portable energizer (battery or solar), and a simple reel system for storing wire between moves. A basic system for 1–2 acres of temporary paddock costs $200–$500 and can be set up or moved in 30–60 minutes by one person.
Components of a Portable System
Energizer: A 12V battery or solar-battery unit with 0.5–2 joules output. The Gallagher S200, Parmak Solar, or similar quality solar units power portable systems for months without maintenance. Avoid D-cell units for anything more than a small pen — battery replacement cost adds up quickly.
Step-in posts: Plastic or fiberglass posts with built-in wire hooks. They push into soil by hand or foot, making installation fast. Typically 30–36 inches tall, spaced 20–30 feet apart. Cost: $0.50–$2.00 each.
Wire: Polywire (twisted conductive strands in plastic jacket) or polytape (flat ribbon design, more visible). Polywire is lighter and stores more easily on a reel; polytape is more visible to horses. Use 6–9-strand polywire for livestock — avoid the 3-strand economy type that breaks frequently.
Reels: A step-in post or hand-held reel holds 660–1,320 feet of polywire. Running wire from reel directly rather than looping saves significant installation time.
Setup Sequence
- Place corner and end posts first (heavier posts with anchor feet or stakes)
- Attach energizer and ground system at a convenient access point
- Walk the perimeter, pushing in step-in posts every 20–25 feet
- Unroll wire from reel, threading through post clips as you go
- Connect wire end back to start (if single loop) or to energizer terminal
- Test voltage at the far end from the energizer
Moving the System
The efficiency of a portable system depends on moving it without tangling. Wind polywire back onto its reel as you remove it from each post, pulling posts as you go. Working backward from the far end and keeping wire taut on the reel prevents the tangling that turns a 30-minute move into a 2-hour frustration. Label each reel with the paddock dimensions it covers for faster reassembly.
Powering Remote Setups
A 12V 7Ah sealed battery powers a 1-joule energizer for approximately 3–4 weeks between charges. A matching solar panel (5–10W) maintains charge indefinitely in normal sun conditions. Mount the panel facing south at 30–45 degrees inclination. Clean the panel monthly — dust and bird droppings can reduce output by 20–30%.
Our Recommendation
For rotational grazing with cattle: 1 strand of polywire at 30–34 inches height, step-in posts at 25 feet, 1-joule solar energizer. For sheep or goats: 2 strands (12 inches and 30 inches), posts at 20 feet, 2-joule energizer. The investment in quality step-in posts (Premier 1 or Gallagher) over cheap plastic ones dramatically reduces setup time and post failures over a season.