6 Best Electric Netting for Sheep Fencing

There’s a particular sound that can make any shepherd’s blood run cold: the yip of a coyote just after sunset. It’s a stark reminder that your flock’s safety rests entirely on the fence you put between them and the wild. For those of us managing pastures, electric netting isn’t just a convenience; it’s the most effective tool we have for peaceful nights.

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Why Electric Netting Is Key For Pastured Sheep

Electric netting is the ultimate multi-tool for rotational grazing. Unlike permanent fencing, which locks you into a fixed layout, netting lets you adapt your pasture to the season, the forage, and the needs of your flock. You can create a fresh paddock in under an hour, giving your sheep access to new grass while letting the previous section recover.

This flexibility is crucial for parasite management and soil health. By moving your sheep frequently, you break the life cycle of internal parasites that would otherwise build up in a permanent pasture. It also ensures manure is distributed evenly, fertilizing your land instead of creating concentrated hotspots.

But its primary job is protection. The combination of a physical barrier and a psychological one—the sharp, memorable shock—is incredibly effective against predators like coyotes, foxes, and stray dogs. They learn to associate the fence with pain and give it a wide berth. A properly energized net is a formidable defense that works 24/7.

Premier 1 ElectroNet: The Proven All-Rounder

If you ask ten experienced shepherds what netting they use, at least half will say Premier 1. There’s a reason for that. It’s the dependable workhorse of the electric netting world, built with a balance of durability, conductivity, and user-friendliness that’s hard to beat.

The posts are a standout feature. They use a combination of rigid plastic and fiberglass, which gives them enough stiffness to minimize sag but enough flex to handle uneven ground. The double-spiked design provides excellent stability, even in soft or sandy soil where single-spike posts tend to lean.

Premier 1 netting isn’t the cheapest option, but it represents a solid investment. The polywire is high-quality, the connections are robust, and it holds up to years of being rolled up, moved, and re-deployed in all weather. For someone who wants a reliable, long-lasting fence without endless tinkering, this is the go-to choice.

Gallagher Sheep Net: For High-Pressure Areas

Gallagher’s netting is built for situations where failure is not an option. If you’re in an area with heavy predator pressure or are managing particularly stubborn animals, this is the fence to consider. It’s engineered for maximum power delivery and physical strength.

The key difference lies in its construction. Gallagher often uses more conductive materials and a more rigid post design. This ensures the shock is potent and consistent from one end of the fence to the other, even on long runs. The stiffer posts create a tighter, more imposing barrier that is less likely to sag or be challenged by a determined predator.

This heavy-duty design does come with tradeoffs. The netting can be heavier and a bit more cumbersome to move than other options. But if you’ve had predators test your lines before, or if your pasture borders a wooded area known for coyote activity, the extra peace of mind that comes with a Gallagher fence is well worth the effort.

Starkline Pro Netting: A Heavy-Duty Value Pick

Starkline has carved out a niche by offering professional-grade features at a more accessible price point. Their Pro series netting is a fantastic option for farmers who need a robust fence but are working within a tighter budget. It successfully bridges the gap between premium brands and entry-level options.

You get many of the features you’d expect from a higher-end net: double-spiked posts for stability, reinforced vertical lines to prevent sagging, and good conductivity. The materials feel substantial, and it’s designed to withstand the daily grind of being moved around a farm. It’s a practical, no-nonsense fence that performs reliably.

Where’s the compromise? You might find the plastic on the posts is slightly less UV-resistant over the long haul, or the connectors aren’t quite as refined as those on a Premier 1 net. However, for the price, the performance is exceptional. Starkline is an excellent choice for expanding your operation or for anyone who needs multiple rolls of dependable netting.

Powerfields P-89-B Kit: Best for New Shepherds

Getting started with electric fencing can be intimidating. You have to match the net to the right energizer, find a good ground rod, and make sure all the components work together. The Powerfields P-89-B Kit eliminates all that guesswork by bundling everything you need into one box.

This kit typically includes a 164-foot roll of netting, a solar energizer, and a ground rod. It’s a complete, out-of-the-box solution. The included solar energizer is perfect for beginners, as it allows you to set up a paddock anywhere on your property without needing access to an AC outlet.

While the components might not be the most powerful or heavy-duty on the market, they are perfectly matched for the included net. This prevents the common and dangerous mistake of underpowering a fence. For someone with their first small flock, this kit provides a safe, effective, and stress-free entry into managed grazing and predator protection.

Kencove Sheep & Goat Net: For Uneven Terrain

Not all pastures are flat, manicured fields. Many of us are working with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, or partially wooded areas. Kencove’s netting shines in these challenging environments, offering superior flexibility to hug the contours of the land.

The secret is in the post design and the net’s overall pliability. Kencove posts often have a bit more flex, allowing them to be set securely on slopes and around obstacles without creating large, unsafe gaps at the bottom of the fence. The netting itself drapes well, maintaining a consistent height even when the ground beneath it is far from level.

This adaptability makes it a top contender for silvopasture systems or for anyone trying to fence off irregular sections of their property. While a more rigid fence might struggle and lift off the ground on hilly terrain, Kencove’s design ensures the bottom hot wire stays close to the ground, which is critical for deterring predators that try to dig or push under.

Fi-Shock Netting Kit: A Portable, Budget Choice

Sometimes you just need a simple, temporary barrier. Whether you’re fencing your flock into the garden for fall cleanup or creating a small, temporary sick pen, a lightweight and affordable option is ideal. The Fi-Shock Netting Kit fills this role perfectly.

This is typically the most budget-friendly option available, often sold as a complete kit with a low-power energizer. The netting is lighter, and the posts are usually single-spiked and less rigid. This makes it incredibly easy and fast to set up and move, even for one person.

It’s crucial to understand its limitations. This is not a fence for high-pressure predator areas or for long-term, set-it-and-forget-it applications. The lower power and lighter construction make it more of a deterrent for well-trained sheep than a fortress against a hungry coyote. But for portability and low-stakes containment, it’s an unbeatable value.

Choosing The Right Energizer For Your Netting

A net is only as good as the shock it delivers, and that comes from the energizer. Buying a high-quality net and pairing it with a weak energizer is like building a fortress with an unlocked door. The single most important factor is the energizer’s power, measured in joules.

For sheep netting, you need a low-impedance energizer, which is designed to handle the heavy load from vegetation touching the wires. Don’t even consider a cheap, "weed-burner" style charger. As a rule of thumb, you want at least 0.5 joules of output power per 164-foot roll of netting. For areas with heavy weed pressure or serious predators, aim for 1 joule per roll.

You also need to choose your power source. Here are the main options:

• AC (110-volt): Plugs into a standard outlet. This is the most reliable and cost-effective option if your pasture is near a barn or house.
• DC (12-volt): Runs off a deep-cycle marine battery. It’s a great portable option for remote pastures, but you’ll have to haul the battery back and forth for charging.
• Solar: A DC energizer paired with a solar panel to charge the battery. This is the ultimate solution for remote grazing, offering a self-contained system. It has a higher upfront cost but unmatched flexibility.

Remember that a proper ground system is just as important as the energizer itself. Use at least three feet of galvanized ground rod, and add more in dry or rocky soil. Underpowering the fence and poor grounding are the top two reasons electric nets fail.

Ultimately, the best electric netting is the one that fits your land, your predator pressure, and your budget. No matter which you choose, walk your fence line regularly, keep the wires clear of vegetation, and always test the voltage. A well-maintained electric net is the best sleep insurance a shepherd can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is electric netting for sheep fencing?

Electric netting for sheep fencing is a prefabricated mesh fence woven with conductive metal filaments and built-in step-in fiberglass posts. The horizontal plastic strands carry electrical current, except for the bottom strand, which rests uncharged on the ground to prevent shorting against soil. It provides both a physical and psychological barrier to contain livestock and deter predators like coyotes.

What energizer joule rating does electric netting for sheep need?

An electric netting energizer for sheep requires a minimum output of 0.25 to 0.5 joules per 164-foot roll of net. Because sheep wool acts as an electrical insulator, the fence must maintain at least 4,000 to 5,000 volts along the line to deliver an effective shock. If you connect three rolls together, you will need an energizer rated for at least 1.0 to 1.5 output joules.

How do I set up electric netting for sheep fencing on uneven ground?

Setting up electric netting for sheep fencing on uneven ground requires unrolling the net along the contour and using extra rigid support posts at dips and rises. Step the line posts into the ground while keeping the top strand taut. In low spots, secure the bottom uncharged strand close to the soil using non-conductive ground pegs so lambs cannot crawl beneath the fence.

How do I properly ground electric netting for sheep fencing?

Grounding electric netting for sheep fencing involves driving galvanized steel ground rods at least three feet deep into moist soil near the energizer. Connect the negative terminal of the energizer to the ground rod using insulated lead-out cable and an all-metal ground clamp. In dry or sandy conditions, install two or three ground rods spaced six feet apart to maintain the circuit.

Is standard electric netting better than positive negative netting for sheep?

Positive-negative electric netting is better than standard electric netting in areas with extremely dry, rocky, or frozen ground. Standard netting relies on moist soil to complete the electrical circuit when an animal touches a hot strand. In contrast, positive-negative netting carries alternating hot and ground strands, shocking the sheep when its body touches two adjacent strands simultaneously regardless of soil moisture.

How much does electric netting for sheep fencing cost per roll?

A standard 164-foot roll of electric sheep netting typically costs between $150 and $250. Total setup costs increase when purchasing an energizer, which adds $100 to $400 depending on whether it is plug-in, battery-operated, or solar-powered. Replacement drive caps, jumper clips, and extra corner support posts generally add another $20 to $50 to the initial purchase.

Why is my electric sheep netting losing voltage?

Heavy grass and weed growth touching the lower electrified strands is the most common cause of voltage drops in sheep netting. Vegetation bleeds electrical current directly into the earth, lowering the overall fence charge below the recommended 4,000-volt threshold. Trimming grass along the fence line, lifting saggy sections, and checking for loose wire connections will quickly restore proper voltage.

Is electric sheep netting safe for newborn lambs and horned breeds?

Horned sheep breeds and young lambs face entanglement risks in standard electric netting and require close supervision or specialized spacing. Horns can easily get hooked in the mesh squares without receiving an immediate shock, causing panic. For newborn lambs, keep the energizer fully charged above 5,000 volts so they learn to respect the perimeter immediately instead of pushing through the openings.