Missouri’s complex fence laws explained

A program to discuss Missouri’s Complicated Fence Law will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23.  The meeting will be held both as a virtual zoom meeting and in-person at the University of Missouri – Buchanan County Extension Office, which is located at 4125 Mitchell Avenue (MWSU West campus) in Saint Joseph.

“Missouri continues to have a very complicated fence law, in large part due to the fact that two separate laws cover the state depending on the county where your land is located,” according to Joe Koenen, Agricultural Business Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, who will be delivering this program by zoom.

“If you own land you really need to know the law and how it impacts you whether you own livestock or not,” says Koenen. Adding to the confusion is a 2016 portion of the law that was changed to address livestock liability that affects livestock and non-livestock owners alike.

Both laws are subject to interpretation and can be a little different, depending on the county you are and the court system. A comparison of both laws will be given at this program.

Koenen has been presenting programs on the fence law for over 30 years throughout the state, including via Zoom, Skype, and ITV.

This program will be done in person at several sites and via Zoom so attendees can see the presentation and also ask questions of the presenter. Light refreshments will be served, attendees are welcome to bring in their own dinner.

There is a $15 charge for this meeting that covers program and materials.

Pre-registration is required, go to https://extension.missouri.edu/events/missouri-s-complex-fence-laws-saint-joseph as space is limited or call the office to register by phone. All safety procedures will be followed to mitigate COVID-19 risks. Masks are required for in-person class.

Contact Denice Ferguson at the Buchanan County Extension Office (816)279-1691 if you have any questions or would like to register or you can e-mail [email protected].