A new state law offers protection to responsible livestock owners. Under the law, which went into effect in October 2016, livestock owners would not be liable for damage caused by livestock unless found negligent in fencing practices, according to MU Extension agricultural business specialist Joe Koenen.

Koenen teaches a class on fencing law from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 13. The sessions will take place at various sites throughout the state via Skype. MU Extension faculty will moderate the sessions at local sites. Another session will be offered March 7 at different locations.

“This is one of MU Extension’s most popular sessions, so I suggest early registration,” Koenen says. There is a $15 fee for the session and materials.

Missouri’s fencing laws are complex, he says. “Missouri is unique because it has a general fence law and 19 counties have a local fence law.” It is important for property owners and renters to understand the unique standards of each, he says.

Koenen and other MU specialists offer insight into fence maintenance for row crop and livestock owners, renters and small-acreage owners to understand their legal and financial responsibilities. The Skype sessions offer participants time for an interactive question-and-answer period.

Contact Koenen at 660-947-2705 or koenenj@missouri.edu to register or for more information.

The MU Extension publication “Missouri’s Fencing and Boundary Laws: Frequently Asked Questions” (G811) is available for free download at http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G811.

Locations by county for the Feb. 13 sessions:

Linn, Missouri Career Center. 200 54-68 Lower Business Park Road, Linn Creek.

McDonald, Pineville Community Center, 602 Jesse James Road, Pineville.

Webster, MU Extension center, 800 S. Marshall St., Marshfield.

Lafayette, MU Extension center, 14 E. 19th St., Higginsville.

Cedar, County Courthouse, 113 South St., Stockton.

Howell, MU Extension center, 217 S. Aid Ave., West Plains.

Montgomery, County Health Department, 400 Salisbury St., Montgomery City.

Washington, Washington County Farm Supply, 100 High St., Belgrade.