What is the best way of fencing a farm?

It depends on what kind of protection you want. If it is only for cattle, then a barbed wire fence with 3 or 4 strands with hedge plants planted under the wire. You may have thorny plants but that will make maintenance difficult. Poles must be about 3 mtrs. apart and between poles you may plant tree saplings. If the poles are wooden they will last only a few years. Stone or concrete poles are better. When the trees grow up, the wire can be fixed to the trees. It is better to coat the barbed wire with tar by dipping the roll in tar before laying it. It will be slightly difficult to handle but life of the barbed wire increases by 2 to 3 times.

If you want to ward off wild animals you must go for a live fence connected to a 12 volt battery with an energiser which can be charged by solar panels or a regular connection. This can ward off elephants as well as other animals.

To enhance the effectiveness of the fence you may dig a trench about 1 mtr. wide on the inside or outside of the fence as the situation permits.