🚜 Livestock Fence Cost Calculator
Plan your fencing budget by combining per-foot material prices, labor requirements, and gate costs.
Includes post setting, wire tensioning, and cleanup.
Cover unexpected costs like rock drilling or extra braces.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure fence lines
Map straight runs, corners, and gate openings to estimate linear footage.
Input material and labor rates
Gather supplier quotes for wire, posts, braces, and gate hardware along with crew wages.
Review total budget
Use the estimate to secure financing, compare contractors, or evaluate DIY savings.
Formula
Material Cost = Length × Material $/ft
Labor Cost = Length × Labor hr/ft × Labor $/hr
Gate Cost = Gate Price × Gate Count
Total = (Material + Labor + Gate) × (1 + Contingency%)
Adjust labor-hour assumptions for terrain, corner braces, woven wire, or electric fencing components.
Full Description
Fencing costs vary with material quality, soil conditions, and equipment access. This estimator helps producers compare barbed wire, woven wire, or high-tensile electric systems before breaking ground.
Include additional allowances for corner braces, energizers, rock drilling, or legal surveys when preparing final bids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many braces should I budget for?
Plan braces at every corner, gate, and long straight run (~600 ft). Include hardware costs in material $/ft.
What about equipment rental?
Add post driver or auger rentals to material cost or contingency percentage.
How do terrain and soil affect costs?
Rocky soils increase labor hours and material wear—raise labor/hr-foot or contingency numbers.
Can I compare contractors with this?
Yes. Input their per-foot bids to evaluate total project variance and schedule impacts.