I have picked up a some ewes and am currently planning on putting up some 55 inch high, Tree Island Fence page wire. This is a winter penning/small summmer pasture situation, and I do not intend to build it light, unless you sheep guys recommend me to. My question is regarding the posts to use. I could use 3-4" X 7' posts for the main line, 4-5" X 7', or 4-5" X 8'. Should I use 8 footers seeing as the wire is 55" high? That would allow for good post depth to fence height ratio. Or is 26 inches of post in the ground sufficient with the 7 footers? With the 8 footer, I feel it would be more stable, and much stronger, but hey, its only sheep, right? Or wrong? And do I need the larger diameter posts? How much longer does the extra inch diameter last, and is it generally better?

Does it matter? Sorry, new to sheep fences. Using a post pounder, moist soil as always, and the soil is a mellow, black clay loam, fwiw...

Let me know... Thanks!