Grazing the long acre in winter

Grazing the "long acre" can be a practical way to stretch feed during winter, especially when paddocks are bare. Some lifestyle farmers see it as a tidy-up job for the local council. But it's important to understand the risks and legal responsibilities that come with roadside grazing.

Who's Responsible?

Under New Zealand law, you are legally responsible for any damage or injury caused by your stock. If animals stray onto the road and cause an accident, you may be held liable, even if the fence was electrified. Electric fences can short out or be pushed over by vehicles or hungry animals, so they are not fail-proof.

What the Law Requires

• Stock must be prevented from straying onto the road at all times

• Roadside grazing is generally allowed only during daylight hours

• You may need permission from your local council to graze the verge

• Some councils require a permit or have specific rules about temporary electric fencing, signage and visibility

• If you’ve taken reasonable steps to secure your animals and a motorist hits them, the driver may not be covered by insurance

• Stock should only graze verges if they are accustomed to traffic and calm in nature

Practical Tips for Safe Verge Grazing

• Use only temporary electric fencing, placed well back from the edge of the road

• Tighten wires and double-check corner posts for strength

• Use highly visible materials such as white fence standards or bright tape

• Attach reflectors and "live wire" signs to alert motorists

• Never graze stock on verges at night

• Choose animals that are familiar with traffic and get along peacefully

• Check on the animals frequently and return them to the paddock well before dusk

Reduce Risk with Careful Planning

Even where local bylaws permit verge grazing, things can go wrong quickly if fences fail or animals panic. Choose quiet stock, make the area secure, and be vigilant throughout the day. Verge grazing is not a set-and-forget solution—it needs regular supervision and careful judgement.

Want to know more about safe tethering and roadside stock handling?

Read our full guide to tethering goats.