How many square metres per cow for a stand off pad?

Cows spend around 10-12 hours of the day lying down, so your stand off pad will need enough room to not only facilitate this rest, but to ensure that the stand off pad bedding stays healthy – an overcrowded pad will result in a hard, slippery or wet surface that isn’t suitable for lying on. While environmental conditions will be an important factor to consider, the space required to ensure the health and happiness of your herd (and the stand off pad badding) is usually in the range of 12m²-20m² per head. See DairyNZ recommendations.

Why should I cover my stand off pad?

There are a number of reasons why covering your stand off pad is a smart idea. Improved efficiency and productivity: With a SmartShelters stand off shelter protecting your herd from the snow, rain, wind and sun, your cows will expend less energy battling the elements, and therefore require less feed. And with your pastures left to their own devices, you’ll maximise grass growth while the herd is sheltered. Reduced effluent run-off: By covering your stand off pad, you’ll avoid the excess effluent run-off that is generated when rain mixes with waste. The clever design of a SmartShelters deep litter stand off pad also sees effluent absorbed by litter before being dried out by natural airflow, dramatically extending its lifespan as a fertiliser. You can say goodbye to run-off issues, while enjoying a steady supply of friable litter. Improve the health of your herd: Using a SmartShelter to protect your herd from the elements will improve the overall health of the animals. Our high quality covers let in up to 90% of natural light, while stopping heat, rain, snow and high wind from entering the structure. Your animals will enjoy conditions that are 3-4C warmer in winter and 3-4C cooler in summer, increasing herd health and reducing your vet bills.

How much longer does stand off pad bedding last undercover?

By protecting it from the elements, covering your stand off pad will ensure that its bedding, whether soil, grass, wood chips, dried manure or anything else, will last far longer than it would in an uncovered arrangement. While other environmental factors make giving an exact number impossible, you’ll be surprised at exactly how long the life of your bedding is extended! Boasting a team backed by 100 years of experience, and working with the finest materials available, SmartShelters are able to rapidly design and construct covered stand off pads of the highest quality, enabling you to work smarter, sooner. Tough materials for longer lifespan You have peace of mind with the SmartShelters’ 12-year limited warranty against product faults. We use only the highest quality components to ensure that your shelter stands up to the conditions. SmartShelters structures are engineered to AS/NZS 1170.2:2011 and are rated to withstand wind and snow conditions. By using structural-grade Supergal galvanised steel framing and tough Ripstop roof covers we have built up a reputation for extremely high quality and long-lasting structures. Contact a member of our experienced team today to discuss a truly smart shelter solution for your property.

Stand Off Pad Shelters | Smart Shelters

Improve herd health

SmartShelters stand-off pads are wide-span shelters that allow you to keep your pastures healthy and your livestock happy. They are a cost-effective solution to the problem of damaged pastures, while also delivering a wealth of other benefits to your herd.

It can be a never-ending fight to retain the quality of your pasture, particularly in wet weather. Often the only way to avoid costly damage is to keep livestock out of paddocks completely. But where to put your herd? SmartShelters stand off pads are wide-span shelters that allow you to keep your pastures healthy and your livestock happy. They are a cost-effective solution to the problem of damaged pastures, while also delivering a wealth of other benefits to your herd

What is the best dairy stand off pad?

While a stand off pad can technically be any purpose-built loafing area, and can be as simple as a well-drained open field, the best dairy stand off pads are:

COVERED: To protect livestock from the elements, keeping them healthier and reducing vet bills.
WELL DRAINED/EASILY CLEANABLE: To guard against the build-up of effluent.
DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED FOR YOU: To make the job of managing your herd as simple as possible.
WELL BUILT: To ensure it can handle all conditions and will continue to do so for the long term.

HOW IT WORKS

SPACIOUS ENVIRONMENTS

What size is required for a stand off pad?

The size of your stand off pad will be governed by the size of your herd. You’ll need to calculate the maximum number of animals that will be using the stand off pad at any one time, and then multiply that number by the amount of area that each animal needs to be given.

WHY SMARTSHELTERS ARE THE SMART CHOICE

100+ YEARS OF EXPERTISE

As New Zealand’s first shelter manufacturer, we bring over a century of experience. Our in-depth industry knowledge ensures you receive personalised support and the perfect shelter tailored to your needs.

PROUDLY NEW ZEALAND MADE

Built in Auckland to withstand New Zealand’s extreme weather conditions, our canopy shelters deliver trusted performance with local support and a fast turnaround. We’re here for the long term—offering quick repairs, expert service, and quality that can’t be beaten.

INDUSTRY-LEADING 12-YEAR WARRANTY

Our 12-year warranty is the longest in the market and covers both the container cover and frame against manufacturing defects. We use only premium materials to ensure durability and reliability under New Zealand conditions, giving you peace of mind that our container shade structures deliver long-term value.

ENGINEERED TO AUS/NZ 1170:2:2021

SmartShelters meet the latest engineering and industry standards, ensuring compliance with building codes and health and safety requirements. Designed for your exact location, whether in the far north or the deep south, our roofs for shipping container buildings provide quality shelter that you can depend on.

DURASTEEL - HIGH STRENGTH STEEL FRAMEWORK

We don’t cut corners on strength. Our main canopy hoop arches are built with premium C450-grade structural galvanised steel—square or rectangular profile—with a wall thickness of no less than 4mm. It’s engineered for maximum durability, with quality assurance that outperforms imported alternatives.

SMARTSHIELD® – THE WORLD’S BEST STRUCTURAL FABRIC

Exclusively available through SmartShelters, our SMARTSHIELD® structural fabric is the strongest and most robust shelter fabric on the New Zealand market. It’s 100% PVC-free and built for long-term performance in New Zealand’s toughest conditions. Don’t be misled by thickness alone—this premium-grade ripstop membrane is engineered for real strength, not just weight.

SMART RANGE – FLEXIBLE SIZES & CUSTOMISATION

SmartShelters offers the widest range of container shelters and canopies in New Zealand — with spans from 6m to 45m wide, any length, and multiple height options. As the only NZ manufacturer offering this level of quality and customisation for container domes, we make it easy to tailor your shelter to your exact requirements. Choose from an unmatched range of add-ons and upgrades to create a structure that grows with your needs.