The Farm Stewardship Program provides Saskatchewan producers funding to implement Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). There are two pasture management BMPs that include fencing for producers:
- Riparian Grazing Management – fencing to protect water quality and adjacent riparian areas
- Native Range Management – fencing to improve or protect the health and productivity of existing native rangelands
It is important to note that if a project is located in an environmentally sensitive area, there may be special requirements. Special requirements could include using wildlife-friendly fencing guidelines, fence markers, drop-down fencing, obtaining a Federal permit or targeted grazing not permitted.
Ideally, wildlife-friendly fences should be low enough for adult animals to jump, high enough for animals to crawl under and minimize the chance of tangling. The Ministry of Environment recommends:
- top wire a maximum of 42” above the ground
- at least 12” between top two wires
- at least 18” between the bottom wire and the ground
- a smooth wire on the top and/or the bottom
To determine if your project is located in an environmentally sensitive area please contact your local Agri-Environmental Services Technician.