It may not be the World Cup or the Olympics, but the 2024 Fall Fence Forum had plenty of international flavor this year. In addition to the United States, New Zealand, the UK, Puerto Rico and Mexico were all represented, as some of the very best fence builders from across the globe came together Oct 1st-5th in Worthington, Indiana for several days of camaraderie, competition and community.
At the center of the event is Luke Gibson, a straightforward, no-nonsense entrepreneur whose business, Farm Fence Solutions, has grown into much more than a simple fence company. He still has fence clients, but he’s also deeply involved in other projects, whether it’s manufacturing post drivers for Protech USA, developing the Meriwether Wire brand, or a newer venture, Catch Dog Tools.
But in the fall, leading up to the first week in October, Gibson and his staff turn their attention to the Fall Fence Forum. Farm Fence Solutions is truly a family business, and the Forum wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of Luke’s wife Leslie, daughter Kate, as well as parents, friends and a dedicated staff. Like so many small businesses, the lines between “family” and “employee” are often blurred, but at their core, everyone at the Forum is dedicated to doing their part in hosting a great event that pushes the Ag Fence industry forward.
Justin Nary is the owner of Taylor Fencing in Lamoni, IA and appreciates the connections he’s able to make. “To me it’s the networking that’s key – meeting someone new or making a contact to extend a hand to the next generation. That’s the biggest reason I’m here.”
“To me it’s the networking that’s key – meeting someone new or making a contact to extend a hand to the next generation. That’s the biggest reason I’m here.”
– Justin Nary, Taylor Fencing, Lamoni, IA
Matt Warner of Empire Fence in Nebraska kicked off the event Wednesday morning with energy and enthusiasm, sharing an example of his “Mondays with Matt” meeting. He starts off each week with his employees in a circle, letting them know how much they are appreciated. Ag Fence isn’t Empire’s core business, but Warner is passionate about building a culture and environment where people can thrive, saying, “I love this kind of thing…I got goosebumps driving up here thinking about all the opportunities we’re going to have to learn and grow.”
Day 1 of the Forum was focused on education, with a Best Practices Day, and business advice from Tony Thornton of Thornton Fence Consulting Group. Thornton serves as the emcee during the week, keeping things on schedule and a positive attitude throughout. “We’re all here to get better at what we do, so if you want to see something or have questions…ask.” Thornton presented an abbreviated version of his “Seven Strategies for the Professional Fence Contractor” and made his book available as well.
A new face at the Forum was Adam Stebar, who finds himself in the same position as many small business owners, especially as he looks towards building something for the future. “I’m pretty comfortable building fence, but where I really need some help is on the business side. Tony gave me a lot of things to think about when I get back home.” Stebar was the winner of the “New Recruit Challenge,” sponsored by Stockade. As part of their commitment to growing the industry, Stockade provides lodging and registration for someone attending the forum for the first time. They also get the use of a Stockade ST400i stapling tool for a year. “I’m not much of a talker and sometimes it’s hard to step out of my comfort zone, but I really appreciate what Stockade is doing for me and the industry,” Stebar said.
In the field, fence installers gathered for additional demonstrations and discussion. Topics including driving (as opposed to digging) posts, and a staining demo from Wood Defender. Kyle Stender, owner of J&K Agriculture in Western New York believes you can never stop learning. “I’ve been to a lot of these kinds of events, and I keep coming back because I learn something new every time.” Stender, along with Justin Nary, will be donating his time to teach at the upcoming AFA University in Tulsa.
“I’ve been to a lot of these kinds of events, and I keep coming back because I learn something new every time.”
– Kyle Stender, J&K Agriculture, Western NY
Shane Bouskill also took on the role of teacher, discussing proper techniques for building braces, footings, and more. Commenting on the wealth of knowledge available, Gibson said “I think we broke the record this year for the most information shared in the shortest amount of time.”
It was Bouskill’s first time attending the Forum, but he’s no stranger to competition and working hard to elevate your craft. Shane, along with his son Tony, has won multiple Golden Pliers and Silver Spades competitions in his native New Zealand. This year he paired with Luke in two of the competitions and it came as no surprise when they took first place in both.
Competition is a huge part of the Forum, and this year there were 3 different formats. Doubles, Singles and the Machinery Competition, which introduces Protech post drivers and power tools like Stockade Staplers. It was the inaugural year of a special event, sponsored by American Timber & Steel: the “Joe Nickerson Memorial Doubles.” Nickerson was a beloved figure in Central Indiana, a dedicated fence builder and owner of J&L Fencing. On August 14, Nickerson sadly passed away at the age of 50, and several people who knew him commented on the pride and passion he took in his work.
Ryan Miller, owner of Premier Fencing in the Fort Wayne area, forged an unlikely friendship with Nickerson. “You wouldn’t think we had a lot in common, but we made a connection and really helped each other out. He was my best friend. I miss him every day.”
On Friday, 7 people stepped up for the “Single Action Showdown” and Saturday was the “Shootout Doubles Machinery Competition.” Ryan Gray, owner of Cowboy Construction in Western Washington, competed in the singles for the 2nd time and was joined by his team member Mason Payne, who paired up again with Stewart Williams in the Machinery competition. “I don’t ride rodeo anymore, so this is the closest I get,” said Gray. “It’s just a great way to improve your skills and great team building for our guys.”
The ”Rookie of the Year” award, sponsored by Stockade, went to Dylan Herndon of Herndon Farm and Land Services in Central Georgia. In August, Herndon and Deuce Brown won the Platinum Strainers Doubles Championship at the East Coast Fence Rivalry, qualifying them to compete at Fieldays in New Zealand. Then he jumped into all 3 events for his first time at the Forum. “I’m already thinking about things I could have done better,” said Herndon. “I can’t wait to do it again.”
Hugh Morrison of Strainrite Fencing in new Zealand applauded everyone who chose to compete. “You don’t realize how difficult a competition is until you do it. It’s a bit like the Fall Fence Forum. You don’t realize how much goes into it – or what you get out of it until you’re here.” Morrison was also honored with the 2nd ever “Fenceman of the Year” Award for his commitment to the industry. Said Gibson, “Hugh is selfless with his time and knowledge, especially in the fencing competition arena, which makes this a very easy selection.”
“You don’t realize how difficult a competition is until you do it. It’s a bit like the Fall Fence Forum. You don’t realize how much goes into it – or what you get out of it until you’re here.”
– Hugh Morrison, Strainrite, 2024 Fenceman of the Year
Returning to document the festivities was Josh Draper, aka the Stoney Ridge Farmer on YouTube, who isn’t shy about getting people on the mic, or whizzing his drones around to capture the sights from overhead. New this year was Dan Wheeler, host of the Fence Industry Podcast, who conducted several interviews onsite and provided live commentary during the competitions.
Past attendees were also happy to welcome back Charlie Wright and Wayne Hammond of Front Row Fencing in Lincolnshire, England. Talented competitors, they took 3rd in the Doubles and 2nd in the Machinery contest. Joining them from the UK was Pete Clark, CEO of the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI). He, along with Phil Cornelius, the President of FCANZ, represent a global network of Industry Associations dedicated to providing the training, education and support to elevate fence builders, regardless of where they work.
Said Clark, “We are skilled craftsman and tradesman, and we deserve to be recognized for that..around the world.”
In the end, it doesn’t matter where people come from, the lessons and relationships built on the ground of Indiana will stand the test of time. Ryan Miller sees the Fall Fence Forum as a crucial investment in himself and his company. “We cannot put into words what this event does for our business in helping bring the highest quality-built fences to our customers.”
“We are skilled craftsman and tradesman, and we deserve to be recognized for that..around the world.”
– Peter Clark, UK Association of Fence Industries (AFI)
“We cannot put into words what this event does for our business in helping bring the highest quality-built fences to our customers.”
– Ryan Miller, Premier Fencing, Indiana
This article appeared in the Nov/Dec issue of AFA’s Fencepost Magazine, available here: https://www.fencepost-digital.com/