I really have no idea what the tension on a properly tightened barbed wire fence actually is. But I have seen wire consisting of two 12 1/2 ga steel strands pulled in two while tightening. Then consider this tension load is anchored five feet from the ground.

Now, add three or four more tensioned strands pulling in the same direction to complete the fence. If it is a corner, you have another four or five strands pulling at some angle to the first set.

People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.