A new name has appeared on the metal fence-post scene, giving farmers another alternative to rot-prone timber.

Fetra, which is owned by Cotswolds agricultural emporium Stow Ag, manufactures its posts in the UK using galvanised steel for strainers and a Magnelis treated structural steel for intermediate posts.

Similar to galvanising, this coats the metal with a protective layer of zinc, aluminium and magnesium to prevent rust setting in.

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Such is the firm’s confidence in the longevity of the system that the components come with a 40-year warranty.

To prevent twisting and lifting, stainers come fitted with four-way thrust plates and anti-lift tabs to anchor them into the ground.

And the ends of hollow folded intermediate posts splay slightly when knocked in to hold them securely in place.

As for the wire, this is attached via a series of quick-release spring clips held in recesses within the posts.

All installers need to do is push the wire into these and it will automatically be held in place.

Various versions are available to suit different applications, including deer, security, equine and livestock.

The latter has an installed height of 1.2m, comes with 11 wire clips and works out at £5.90/m, including posts, strainers, net and line wires.