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 generally not a place to feed animals but rather a large area for stock to lie down; however this may be adjacent to a feeding area.

This DairyNZ Farmfact covers the design and construction of stand-off pads. It includes information about regulatory requirements and site selection.