Yes, we serve the greater Madison area, including Dane County and the surrounding region. Our services include agricultural fencing, water systems, stream crossings, and various agricultural construction projects.

This depends on your specific project and its location. While some projects may be exempt, others require permits from local or state authorities. For agricultural fences, the City of Madison does not require a building permit, but there are regulations regarding placement and height. For projects in other municipalities or rural areas, you'll need to check with the local zoning authority (e.g., Dane County Zoning and Building Permits Office). For stream crossings and other construction projects involving waterways, you will likely need a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). We can help guide you through the permitting process.

We can assist with the permitting process and are happy to help you navigate local ordinances. We also contact Digger's Hotline for you before starting any digging to ensure utility lines are marked.

We offer a variety of fencing materials to suit your specific needs, including woven wire, high-tensile wire, barbed wire, and electric fencing. We can help you select the best option for containing livestock, protecting crops, or defining property lines.

Yes, electric fencing is generally permitted in agricultural districts throughout Dane County and surrounding areas.

Chapter 90 of the Wisconsin Statutes governs fences in agricultural areas. It outlines requirements for when a fence is needed, how responsibility for a shared fence is divided between neighbors, and what constitutes a "legal fence." The law generally requires adjoining landowners to share the responsibility for maintaining a fence if either property is used for farming or grazing. The law also specifies that a "sufficient and legal" fence must be at least 50 inches high and not more than four inches from the ground.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule regulates agricultural water quality. The rule requires that all agricultural water be "safe and of adequate sanitary quality for its intended use." This applies to water used for irrigation, preparing crop sprays, and post-harvest activities like washing produce.

In Wisconsin, you generally need a permit from the DNR to withdraw surface water from streams or lakes for irrigation or agriculture. A permit may also be required for groundwater withdrawals if they exceed 100,000 gallons per day over a 30-day period. Additionally, any structure placed below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) to withdraw water (e.g., an intake structure) may require a separate permit.

Yes, water testing is required for all water used on a farm operation. We can help you understand the requirements for testing your water source and interpreting the results.

Yes, a permit is generally required from the Wisconsin DNR for placing any structure, including bridges, culverts, or fords, in a navigable waterway. The DNR offers general permits for projects that meet specific criteria and individual permits for more complex projects. You may also need to check with your local city or county zoning authority.

Bridge: A structure that spans a waterway without placing pilings or supports in the stream bed. A clear-span bridge (no supports in the stream) may be eligible for a general permit.

Culvert: A pipe or enclosed channel that allows a stream to flow underneath a road or embankment.

Ford: A structure, often made of rock or timber, placed on the stream bed to allow vehicles to drive through the water.

When building a stream crossing, the DNR and other conservation agencies require measures to protect the waterway. This often includes installing the crossing perpendicular to the stream flow, avoiding sensitive habitats, and ensuring the structure can pass flood flows without causing erosion. The construction should also be located away from sharp bends in the stream and designed to avoid blocking the passage of aquatic organisms.

We provide a range of agricultural construction services, including building new barns, shops, and other farm facilities. We can handle everything from design and permitting to construction and management. Our experience includes constructing post-frame and metal buildings for livestock, machinery, and storage.