Farm Access
Laneways should not be raceways. Straight laneways promote ease of cow flow and are attractive as well as being easy to fence, construct and maintain. Despite this, the lay of the land will be the determinant in laneway configuration. Geometrically shaped layouts that avoid sharp corners, steep gradients, cuts and fills and drainage courses are preferred
Construct laneways with an outsloping surface to encourage dispersed discharge of run-off rather than concentrating it in table drains for discharge at one site.
If table drains are present, runoff from tracks should be diverted at regular intervals onto stable undisturbed grassed areas to trap sediment and encourage infiltration of water.
A well-constructed laneway needs to have a well-formed foundation. Research the surface material that best suits the farm terrain and soil type.
Surface material must form an impervious barrier to water and not be harmful to cows hooves. Avoid large stones as they get kicked out of the track and leave the surface susceptible to water and more damage (they can also damage hooves).
Laneway access is recommended to all paddocks, otherwise grass is both wasted and damaged as cows walk across it to get to another paddock.
Autumn is the best time for laneway maintenance. It is recommended that the surface of the tracks be scraped to remove loose material and manure to promote drainage. Any depressions or rills should be filled, and if necessary, the pavement should be repaired by placement of suitable material over areas of fill.
Currently gates of approximately 4 metres are commonly used. This width, however, is too small for most herds, so double gateways (8 metres wide) or extended gates should be considered when installing gates.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, passing overhead slightly to the north around mid-day. Winter shading of laneways reduces the prospect of drying through sunlight and wind action on the laneway surface. Plant trees on the eastern side where possible.
© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2012.
This document was last reviewed on 28/10/2008