Spraying Fence Lines in 101° Heat: A Day in the Life on the Farm
When you live on a working cattle ranch, there are certain jobs that are never really “done.” Fence maintenance is one of them, and part of that job is keeping weeds off the fenceline. This past Saturday, I hooked up my 300 gallon spray rig, mounted on a small trailer, behind the trusty Honda Pioneer, and set out to spray roughly seven miles of perimeter and cross fencing.
It was a scorcher. The heat index was 107°F, and I could feel every bit of it. By the time I was halfway through, every stitch of clothing I had on was soaked. But I LOVE this task. Spraying fenceline is peaceful, almost mindless, and at the end of the day you can look back and see what you've accomplished.
The Art (and Comedy) of Even Spraying
Me and my trusty spray wand—ready to tackle miles of fence line.
My goal was to keep the spray pattern consistent along the fence line so the grass and weeds die off evenly. In theory, that’s great. I get cracked up at my self all the time at how wild and unruly I can get with the spray wand—I know that this time next week when I drive back by these fences I’ll see wavy, brown patches and think, “Yep that’s all me. I’m like a Chris Stapleton song—I’ve got nobody to blame but me.”
Still, the purpose of spraying fence lines is simple: keeping weeds from climbing up through the wire, which makes repairs and upkeep much easier in the long run. It’s part of maintaining a clean, professional looking property and extending the life of your fencing.
When Things Get a Little…Stuck
Getting stuck happens to the best of us—thankfully, tractors were invented.
My boys: The true A-team, ready with straps and muddy feet to rescue momma.
Of course, no farm job is complete without a minor mishap. I got a little too confident and little too carried away and dipped into a low, wet spot I never should have been in. Before I knew it, the side-by-side and trailer were stuck. That’s when I called in my A-team of reinforcements—my boys— to come pull me out with the tractor.
Farm family rule: when momma calls for help, drop everything and get on the tractor, don’t ask why I did it, and don’t pass judgement.
I hope they’ll always be willing to rescue me when I am literally and proverbially “stuck in the mud.”
My knights in shining armor appeared and pulled me out just in time—I don’t think any passers-by even had time to see me. Embarrassment saved!
Finding Peace in a Hot, Hard Day
When the heat index hits 107°F, you start to get a little delirious.
Too much heat definitely affects the brain.
Even with the heat beating down and the hours stretching on, there’s a rhythm to spraying that I appreciate. The hum of the engine, the steady movement down the fence line, the soft shhhh of the spray hitting the grass—it’s almost meditative.
When your attitude starts to dip, sometimes God sends a perfectly timed breeze that cools you down and reminds you you’re right where you’re supposed to be.
This beautiful cross-fence view is worth it all. A juicy peach and a breath-taking view are worth every drop of sweat.
Tips for Spraying Fence Lines in the Summer Heat
If you’re tackling your own fence line spraying project, here are a few things I’ve learned:
Start early—Beat as much of the mid-day heat as possible.
Check your equipment—Make sure your spray rig is working properly and your nozzles are clear and in good shape.
Stay hydrated—Keep a cooler of ice water in the UTV or tractor.
Watch your spray pattern—Uneven spraying means uneven weed control.
Know your terrain—Avoid those low, wet spots unless you enjoy getting stuck like me.
Spraying fences might not be glamorous work, but its one of those essential ranch chores that keeps everything running smoothly. And if you can find a little humor, a cool breeze, and maybe even a peach tree along the way—well, that’s a good day in my book.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Long, hot days on the farm can wear you down—but they don’t have to defeat you. My Summer Farm Chores Survival Guide will help you stay cool, safe, and grateful while you work.
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