Fence Them Out

Troubled by wild beasts? Growers who are have requested assistance in managing the wild animals that enter farm areas and destroy edible crops. In response, Cooperative Extension will be holding a Wild Animal Deterrent: Electric Fence Field Day on December 8 at the Waimanalo Research Station to show how wild animals can be excluded from production areas using an electric fencing system. Another reason to consider fencing croplands is the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)—while it does not require exclusion of grazing, working, or intruding animals, growers must take proactive and reasonable steps to prevent produce, production areas and food-packing areas from being contaminated by animals. The electrical system that will be demonstrated can be modified for on- and off-grid locations.Participants are invited to pop in from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. For more information, check out these resources on the FSMA and GAPs.