Unexpected Uses for Chain Link Fence Systems on Northwest Farms

Turn Simple Chain Link Into a Hardworking Farm Tool

Chain link fence systems are often seen as plain, utilitarian fences for property lines or dog runs. On a working farm in the Northwest, they can do far more. With the right layout and hardware, chain link becomes a tough, flexible tool that helps you protect animals, crops, and equipment without blowing your budget.

At H & H NW Contractors LLC, we work with residential, ranch, and agricultural fencing across Northern Idaho, and Washington. Over time, we have watched simple chain link systems quietly solve problems all over the farmyard. In this article, we will walk through practical, creative ways to put chain link to work on your place, especially as operations shift for cooler, wetter weather.

Protect Sensitive Areas From Curious Livestock

Livestock are curious, and they are hard on anything they can rub, chew, or lean on. Chain link can step in as a tough barrier that still lets you see what is happening.

You can use chain link to guard high-value spots such as:

• Young orchards or new tree plantings

• Vegetable gardens and raised beds

• Small vineyards or berry rows

• Replanted pasture corners or shelterbelt areas

Wrapped in chain link, these areas are far less likely to be stripped, barked, or trampled. The open fabric lets in light and air, and you can easily see if something needs attention inside.

Chain link also works well as a buffer zone around:

• Fuel tanks or propane tanks

• Generator and pump stations

• Equipment yards and tool storage

• Electric panels or service areas

By fencing these spaces, you keep cattle, horses, and goats away from bumping valves, chewing cords, or rubbing on sharp edges, while still being able to spot a leak or problem quickly.

As pastures thin out and the weather turns, animals often push fences, seek shelter in the wrong spots, or test weak barriers. Permanent chain link in key areas cuts down on:

• Emergency repairs in mud and snow

• Damage to buildings and vehicles

• Animals getting into feed or chemicals

A strong barrier in the right place can mean fewer late-night runs with a flashlight and fence stretcher.

Smarter Feed and Hay Storage Solutions

Feed is too expensive to let it get wet, moldy, or trampled into the ground. Chain link can help you store and deliver it with less waste.

One smart use is open-air hay bays or feed stations. Chain link sides:

• Keep animals from climbing or rubbing on stacked hay

• Allow air to move and dry the bales

• Make it easy to see how much feed is left

• Help prevent kids and visitors from climbing on stacks

Inside barns or sheds, chain link partitions can carve out:

• Separate grain rooms or bagged feed storage

• Individual pens or quarantine spaces

• Tack and supply rooms that stay animal-free

These see-through dividers keep things orderly without blocking light or airflow.

Rodents and wildlife are always a concern in the Northwest, especially during rainy seasons. Pairing chain link with tighter mesh or panels at the bottom can help reduce access for:

• Deer nosing into hay and grain

• Raccoons and larger pests

• Loose dogs or wildlife near outbuildings

Because the framework is chain link, it stays easy to wash down, sweep around, and keep clean, even when the ground is muddy.

Creative Animal Management and Training Areas

Good animal handling relies on calm, clear movement. Chain link fence systems can create alleys, pens, and training spaces that are solid enough for livestock yet still open to view.

For cattle, goats, or sheep, chain link can form:

• Sorting alleys leading to chutes or loading areas

• Holding pens near barns or handling equipment

• Temporary or semi-permanent lanes between pastures

The clear sightlines keep animals from feeling boxed in and let handlers see exactly where feet and heads are before gates swing.

Chain link is also a great fit for training pens, especially for:

• Working stock dogs

• Family dogs that stay on the farm

• 4-H and project animals

These pens make it easier to:

• Watch body language while you train

• Keep animals apart without isolating them visually

• Avoid chewing and climbing that often destroy lighter fencing

As days get shorter, chain link enclosures near the house or barn can be lit safely to support evening chores. Animals stay contained in a visible area, lighting installs easily on posts, and you can walk through and check everyone without wrestling flimsy panels in the dark.

Farm Security and Equipment Protection with a View

Farm equipment is valuable, and it often sits outside. Chain link gives you a secure perimeter around:

• Tractors and skid steers

• Implements and attachments

• Trailers and stock racks

• Fuel totes and portable tanks

The advantage is clear: you can still see your gear from the house or lane, which helps with daily checks. It is also easier to notice if something looks out of place or if a gate is not latched.

In some areas, you may want a bit more privacy. Chain link can be combined with:

• Privacy slats along one or two sides

• Fabric or mesh panels in small sections

• Wind-permeable screens that do not trap moisture

This keeps high-value items out of casual view but still lets air move so equipment dries after rain and does not sit in a dead, stale pocket.

Gate security is equally important. With chain link systems, you can plan for:

• Heavy-duty hinges and latches

• Lockable hardware on key access points

• Wider gates or double-swing entries for large machinery

In high-traffic farm areas, these features matter even more when the weather is rough and you need gates that open and close quickly, without wrestling.

Garden, Greenhouse, and Nursery Support Structures

Chain link is not just a barrier; it can also be a frame and growing support, especially helpful for small farms and homesteads.

Along garden edges and in nursery spaces, chain link can shape:

• Sidewalls and ends for hoop houses

• Short greenhouse frames tied into wood or metal

• Low cold frames for early starts and late harvests

The posts and rails hold up to Northwest wind and snow better than many light temporary systems. You can clip plastic, shade cloth, or frost fabric to the chain link and adjust it as seasons change.

Chain link sections also make excellent trellises. You can train:

• Berries like raspberries or blackberries

• Climbing beans and peas

• Grape vines or hardy kiwis

• Espaliered fruit trees along tighter stretches

By going vertical, you gain growing space without needing more ground, a big plus for smaller acreage.

For late-summer and fall crops, chain link pairs nicely with:

• Netting to keep birds out of fruit and sweet corn

• Wire or mesh skirts to slow down deer around gardens

• Shade cloth to protect lettuce, brassicas, and young starts

Sun and airflow still reach plants, but damage from animals and early cold snaps is reduced.

Put Chain Link to Work on Your Northwest Farm

Chain link fence systems do not have to be plain boundary lines. With some planning, they become working tools that protect feed, guide animals, and guard equipment, all while staying easy to see through and simple to maintain.

A helpful next step is to walk your property with fresh eyes. Look for problem spots such as wasted hay, trampled gardens, risky fuel areas, or loose equipment yards. In many of those places, a well-planned chain link layout, with the right gates and custom fabrications, can bring order and peace of mind for seasons to come on your Northern Idaho or Washington farm.

Get Started With Your Project Today

If you are considering new chain link fence systems for your property, we are ready to help you plan and install the right solution. At H & H NW Contractors LLC, we work with you to understand your security, privacy, and budget needs so your fence performs the way you expect. Tell us about your project, and we will provide clear recommendations and a straightforward estimate. If you are ready to move forward or have questions, please contact us today.