The rust is no big deal unless you are real picky. It will last for many years. I have some CRW tomato cages that are 10 years old and still in perfect shape.

You can buy galvanized cattle wire at Tractor Supply if you want non rusting. It's more expensive and usually hard to find any with the holes big enough to reach through to pick your veggies.

This link might interest you from Mother Earth News.

Here is a link that might be useful: M.E.N. wire mesh

Funny as it might sound, I prefer the CRW mesh because it rusts. The rust provides a rough surface for the plants to cling to, and weathers to a dark brown / near black if left outdoors. The mesh is very durable in spite of the rust. I've actually had more problems with my galvanized wire fencing breaking off at the welds than I have had with CRW... I've got CRW tomato cages that are over 15 years old.

I love my mesh panels that we use for sugar snap peas and other vining vegetables. It's the perfect height although one year my sugar snaps got over 6' tall. I plant about a 4" wide row so some of the outer plants don't get a good grab on the mesh. We add some twine to keep the plants from falling away from the mesh.

The tomato cages made from a more flexible mesh are probably 30 years old.

I don't notice the rust. The panels are held in place with steel posts and zip ties. They stay out all winter and we enjoy watching the birds sit on the fencing waiting for tasty insects to come by.

I just set up two trellises for my cucumbers and winter squash with concrete mesh. I don't mind the rust but what has me worried is the tag on the mesh that says Warning This product can expose you to lead. If I'm exposed just touching it, then I assume my plants growing on it will be exposed also but what I don't know is whether growing plants absorb lead. Any one have any information on that?

I recommend starting a new thread to get answers re the lead issue.