How Timber Boundaries Weather the Years: Treatment, Material and Maintenance
DERRICK COX THE ALL AMERICAN FENCER!
American contractor Derrick Cox, based in the spectacular Appalachian mountains, has been immersed in the fencing life since the age of 15 and he loves it!
He explained: “I live in southwest Virginia in the Appalachian mountain range of Grayson County. My father started his fencing business around 1984 and continued for many years before passing the business down to me.
“We currently have 2 employees and run skid steers and tractors along with Vibro and drop weight style drivers.
“We use Wireman Fencing equipment, strainer boards and strain walkers to tension all of our netting and single lines,” added Derrick who has added a few more strings to his bow over the years.
“I am a distributor for Wireman Fencing Equipment here in the US. We also offer rock drilling services with our Word Rotary rock drill but our main focus is on agricultural fencing although we also do some decorative wood fencing.
“Since we are in the Appalachian Mountain range, we deal with a lot of hill country with rocky soil conditions.
“I’ve always enjoyed doing this and would have to say that agricultural fencing is my favourite type to install. It seems to throw up new challenges with each new job,” he added.
Derrick is also heavily involved in the fencing competition scene in north America, organising and hosting the annual East Coast Fencing Rivalry event held every August in Galax, Virginia.
“This event has an equipment competition along with fencing and equipment demos. In 2023 we added a doubles hand tool competition to the event known as the US Platinum Strainers Doubles Championship. The winners of this event will travel to New Zealand to compete in the Field Days Event and will have a guaranteed spot in the Silver Spades Doubles championship.
“Fencing in the US is on the up and growing with every passing year. We are seeing more and more new fencing contractors showing up to events and on social media platforms.
“One of the issues that I see in the north American fencing industry is that a lot of fencing companies are struggling to find or keep help. Another issue that we are working hard on is, to push better fencing practices.
“I am currently a member of the Fence Workers Association. I will also be travelling to New Zealand in June to attend the Field Days Fencing Competitions.”
Close links to the land have been in Derrick’s family for generations with his Grandfather working as a professional trapper amongst other things!
“He ran long lines from Ohio to Virginia. He also ran a farm supply store selling feed and fertilizers and had his own Fur house where he bought and put up pelts.
“He also bought wild herbs and ran a milking barn. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades.
“My father continued the fur business before starting farming and raising beef cattle. I’ve also just started raising Texas Longhorn cattle that I truly enjoy. I’m raising the cattle to sell for beef.
“I also enjoy hunting and fishing here in the mountains of Appalachia.
“There’s no other industry like this one. Agricultural fencers are a tight knit bunch and I’ve met and become friends with many folks in the industry from all over the world.
“These people will drop whatever they are doing to come lend a helping hand to their fellow fencer. What an amazing industry we get to work in!” concluded Derrick.
We say amen to that Derrick!
