13.2.3.Planning paddocks

Fencing is a costly investment. The location and arrangement may affect production efficiency, so it makes good sense to plan before you build. This is true whether you are installing a fence around the farm or a pasture for the first time, or replacing an old, worn-out fence.
Evaluate existing fences. If they are in good shape, you may want to plan new fences around them. But it may be cheaper in the long run to replace them if they are old and falling down.
Pay attention to water resources when planning your fence arrangement. Wise placement of fences can result in being able to use the same water source in two, three or even more paddocks. Fencing livestock away from water sources such as dams or permanent creeks and pumping or reticulating water to troughs can improve water quality, as discussed in ‘Managing your water’ on page XX. When fencing along creeks and waterways, keep the fence as far away from the waterway as practical (about 20 metres ideally) to help eroding banks heal and so there will be a barrier of vegetation to slow down run-off water from the paddock.