How such a modern electric fence is built and how it works was explained in the first technical article by Reinhard Huber ( HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein). In addition to the correct and efficient construction of the fences, possible sources of error during construction and operation were also pointed out. The central issue here is the correct grounding, adapted to the performance of the electric fence, the material to be used and the necessary distances when building and anchoring the grounding.
The next article presented the practical use of an electric fence system for herd protection on the Grabneralm. There were wolf attacks there in 2021, which is why the flock of sheep was looked after by a shepherd in 2022 and protected with an electric fence. The sheep were kept in a paddock and were looked after during the day and housed in a safe night pen at night. In addition to the animal performance, the working time for looking after a small flock of sheep and its costs were also recorded.
Albin Blaschka from the Austrian Center Bär, Wolf, Luchs showed the advantages and disadvantages of guided grazing on alpine pastures and pastures in his presentation. With the decline in the number of grazing livestock and global warming, there is usually enough feed available to the grazing animals if there is sufficient water supply. However, in the medium term, selective feeding causes the pasture to deteriorate and even begin to become overgrown with bushes. With controlled grazing management, even poorer areas can gradually be used and thus preserved, resulting in better utilization of the forage areas. If a shepherd is always with the animals, this has additional benefits for the animals' health and, if necessary, herd protection measures can be implemented.
At the next item on the program, the companies Gallagher, Patura and Fency were able to present their latest products and demonstrate their practical suitability. For this purpose, various electric fences were set up in the open area and different systems were demonstrated: mobile fence with nets and smart fence system, various electric fence devices and a fence with T-posts. The head of the technology center, Johann Steinbrecher, also explained the classic electric fence with wooden posts, which has existed for 15 years. Under the expert supervision of the fence builders, the visitors were able to practice building various parts of an electric fence (hammering in a T-post with a ram, tying insulators, fence tensioners, etc.) and get valuable practical tips. Finally, the Landmarkt Technikcenter Bad Mitterndorf invited the participants for a drink and snack, where there was a lot of technical discussion.
