The Scale of Bird Damage on Farms

For commercial growers, bird predation isn't just a nuisance — it can represent a significant proportion of annual losses. Stone fruit, berries, grapes, and sweet corn are particularly vulnerable. Birds target ripening fruit and can cause losses that are difficult to manage through any means other than physical exclusion.

While small-scale deterrents like scarecrows and gas cannons offer some temporary relief, large-scale netting systems remain the only reliable long-term solution at the farm level.

Types of Orchard and Farm Netting Systems

Over-Row Netting

The most common system for vineyards and berry farms. Individual rows of crops are covered with panels of netting draped directly over the vines or canes, supported by the crop structure itself or by lightweight wire frames. This approach:

  • Is relatively quick to deploy and remove
  • Allows access for harvesting machinery in some configurations
  • Requires less capital investment than full enclosure systems

Full Exclusion Enclosures

For high-value crops or where bird pressure is severe, a complete overhead and side-netting enclosure is the most thorough protection. A permanent or semi-permanent pole structure supports the netting above and around the entire crop block. This is common in:

  • Blueberry farms
  • Strawberry growing operations
  • Cherry orchards in areas with high starling or blackbird populations

The upfront cost is higher, but the system lasts many seasons and eliminates bird losses almost entirely.

Drape Systems for Tree Fruit

For apples, pears, plums, and cherries, individual trees or rows can be draped with lightweight UV-stabilised nets at the point of fruit ripening. This seasonal approach balances cost and protection.

Key Specifications for Agricultural Netting

Farm-scale netting has different requirements to residential products:

  • Mesh size: 19mm–28mm suits most orchard bird species; heavier species may allow 50mm
  • Weight: Lighter nets (under 20g/m²) reduce stress on crop structure
  • UV stabilisation: Essential — rated for a minimum of 5 years outdoor exposure
  • Colour: Black netting is generally less visible and less disruptive to the crop microclimate
  • Width and roll length: Large format rolls reduce the number of joins needed across wide rows

Installation Considerations at Farm Scale

  1. Pole and wire infrastructure: Permanent systems require robust end-posts and tensioned wires to support netting spans. Engage a specialist contractor for initial setup.
  2. Access points: Plan for vehicle and harvesting equipment access — zip-open sections or pull-aside panels should be incorporated at the design stage
  3. Water and airflow: Good netting systems allow rain, irrigation, and air to pass through freely — choose open-weave netting rather than shade cloth
  4. Seasonal deployment: In regions with cold winters, removing netting in the off-season extends its lifespan significantly

Cost vs. Return on Investment

Agricultural bird netting is an investment that pays back through reduced crop losses. For high-value crops like blueberries or wine grapes, even a modest percentage of protection can represent significant financial return. When evaluating systems, consider:

  • Cost per hectare of netting and support infrastructure
  • Estimated lifespan of the system (typically 7–15 years for quality setups)
  • Annual crop value at risk from bird predation
  • Labour costs for installation, removal, and storage

Many growers find that a well-designed netting system pays for itself within two to three seasons when protecting high-value crops from heavy bird pressure.