Stand-off Pad
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A stand-off pad is a drained area where you can keep your livestock for extended periods when pastures aren't suitable. The pad isn't generally for feeding, but rather a place for animals to lie down. This page explains the benefits and factors to consider before investing in a stand-off pad.
A stand-off pad is a purpose built, drained loafing area where stock can be held for long periods when it is not suitable to have them on pasture.
In most cases, stand-off pads are not a place to feed animals but a large area for stock to lie down. It may however be next to a feeding area.
Benefits of stand-off pads
- Less pugging of paddocks and better production as a result
- Better management of nutrients
- Better pasture management by extending rotation
- Prevents cows lying down on paddocks instead of feeding
Do I need a stand-off pad?
A stand-off pad may add value to your farm system if you have problems with the following:
- Soil structure problems or pugging of paddocks
- Pasture damage due to wet conditions
- Slow pasture regrowth after winter and spring grazings
- Having to renew pastures more frequently than you would like to
- Damaging laneways from standing cows on them
- Problems with lameness and mastitis during/ following wet periods
- Animal health and welfare concerns due to your current wet weather practices
- Managing nutrient loss from your property