Quick Answer
Woven wire fence (also called field fence or farm fence) uses horizontal and vertical wires woven together at intersections, creating a flexible mesh that adapts to terrain. It's the standard fence for sheep, goat, and mixed-livestock operations. Height ranges from 26 inches (light cattle) to 60 inches (horse fence). Wire spacing is progressive — tighter at the bottom to contain small animals, wider at the top where pressure is lower.
Understanding Fence Designations
Woven wire is described by a numbering system: e.g., "HT-6-39-12." The first number (6) is the number of line wires. The second (39) is the height in inches. The third (12) is the spacing between vertical stay wires in inches. Understanding this lets you select the right product for your species and terrain.
| Common Type | Height | Stay Spacing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 939-6-12 | 39 in | 12 in | Cattle, hogs |
| 1047-6-9 | 47 in | 9 in | Cattle with calves |
| 832-6-6 | 32 in | 6 in | Sheep, goats |
| Non-climb 60" | 60 in | 2 in | Horses |
Installation Requirements
Woven wire requires strong corner and end post bracing — the wire is heavy and holds significant tension once stretched. A proper H-brace or diagonal brace at every corner is essential. Line posts at 12-foot spacing minimum; 8-foot spacing in high-pressure areas or on slopes. Use a fence stretcher or come-along to stretch the wire before stapling — never staple loose wire and rely on tension to tighten it later.
Terrain Adaptation
One advantage of woven wire over welded wire is its flexibility: it can follow rolling terrain without gaps at the bottom. On slopes, the vertical stay wires compress or spread slightly to follow the ground. Pull the wire tight to the contour of the ground and staple at the bottom to prevent animals from lifting the wire and escaping underneath.
Adding Electric Wire
Add one electric wire at 4–6 inches above the woven wire top to discourage climbing (goats and bears) and at 4 inches outside the fence at 6-inch height to deter predator digging. These two electric additions dramatically increase the effectiveness of woven wire without significantly increasing cost.
Our Recommendation
For sheep and goat operations: 32-inch woven wire with 6-inch stay spacing, plus a top electric wire at 40–44 inches. For cattle with calves: 47-inch woven wire with a top electric wire. For horses: non-climb 60-inch horse fence, no barbs. Pair all woven wire installations with at least 3-post H-brace corners — the wire's weight and tension demand solid anchor points.