Quick Answer
Woven wire fence (also known as field fence, farm fence, or page wire) is a fencing system made by weaving horizontal line wires and vertical stay wires together at intersections. This creates a flexible, durable mesh with openings that are progressively smaller at the bottom. It's the most common permanent fence for mixed livestock operations in North America.
Construction and Materials
Woven wire uses galvanized steel wire. Horizontal line wires run the length of the fence and bear the main tension load. Vertical stay wires intersect with line wires and are secured with a half-hitch wrap rather than welding — this is the key difference from welded wire mesh. The half-hitch connection allows slight rotation at each intersection, giving the fence flexibility to follow uneven ground and absorb pressure from livestock without breaking.
Progressive Spacing Design
Most woven wire for livestock has closer spacing between line wires at the bottom (3–4 inches) that gradually increases toward the top (6–9 inches). This design contains small young animals at the bottom while using less material at the top where the primary concern is height rather than small-animal exclusion. The bottom line wires are closer to the ground, preventing lambs, kids, and piglets from slipping under.
Common Names for the Same Product
- Woven wire — general term
- Field fence — most common in the US Midwest and South
- Farm fence — general term in many regions
- Page wire — common term in Canada
- Hinge joint fence — named for the hinge-joint knot used in New Zealand-style wire
- Non-climb horse fence — specific type with 2-inch stays for horses
How It Differs from Barbed Wire
Barbed wire uses only horizontal wires with sharp barbs twisted on at intervals. It provides a sparse physical barrier relying on barb contact to deter animals. Woven wire creates a continuous mesh barrier that physically prevents animals from passing through, regardless of whether they push against it. Woven wire is safer (no sharp barbs), more effective for small and medium livestock, and more expensive per linear foot.
Our Recommendation
Woven wire is the correct choice for any operation containing sheep, goats, pigs, or young animals. For cattle-only operations on large acreages, high-tensile electric provides better value. When in doubt about species mix or future livestock plans, install woven wire — it's more versatile and can contain any species with the addition of a top electric wire.