Editing Barbed wire (section)

=== Agriculture ===
[[file:Barbed wire.jpg|thumb|Modern barbed wire]]

Barbed wire fences remain the standard fencing technology for enclosing [[cattle]] in most regions of the United States, but not all countries. The wire is aligned under tension between heavy, braced, fence posts (strainer posts) and then held at the correct height by being attached to wooden or [[steel fence post]]s, and/or with [[batten]]s in between.

The gaps between posts vary depending on type and terrain. On short fences in hilly country, steel posts may be placed every {{convert|3|m|yd|sigfig=1}}, while in flat terrain with long spans and relatively few stock they may be spaced up to {{convert|30|to|50|m|yd}} apart. Wooden posts are normally spaced at {{convert|10|m|yd}} on all terrain, with 4 or 5 battens in between. However, many farmers place posts {{convert|2|m|yd|sigfig=1}} apart as battens can bend, causing wires to close in on one another.

Barbed wire for agricultural fencing is typically available in two varieties: [[Annealing (metallurgy)|soft]] or mild-steel wire and high-[[Tensile strength|tensile]]. Both types are [[galvanized]] for longevity. High-tensile wire is made with thinner but higher-strength steel. Its greater strength makes fences longer lasting because it resists stretching and loosening better, coping with expansion and contraction caused by heat and animal pressure by stretching and relaxing within wider elastic limits. It also supports longer spans, but because of its [[Elasticity (physics)|elastic]] (springy) nature, it is harder to handle and somewhat dangerous for inexperienced fencers. Soft wire is much easier to work but is less durable and only suitable for short spans such as repairs and gates, where it is less likely to tangle.

In high soil-fertility areas where dairy cattle are used in great numbers, 5- or 7-wire fences are common as the main boundary and internal dividing fences. On sheep farms 7-wire fences are common with the second (from bottom) to fifth wire being plain wire. In New Zealand wire fences must provide passage for dogs since they are the main means of controlling and driving animals on farms.

Around the turn of the 20th century, in some rural areas, [[Barbed wire telephone lines|barbed wire fences were used for local telephone networks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apr 19, 1900 : Barb-Wire telephone line, Cassius Alley insulator |url=https://reference.insulators.info/publications/view/?id=5740 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=reference.insulators.info}}</ref>