Barn layout ideas

[mozarkian]

We are going to build a new barn in the spring and want it to suit our needs for milking up to six cows, comfortable loafing area for the cows, feed storage, maternity pens (either 2 or one large one that would be dividable), sick or quarantine area. It won't need to store hay or tractors/equipment as we have another shed for that.
Looking for ideas and "been there done that"mistakes to avoid. Thanks in advance!

[francismilker]

The one thing I can highly recommend is to resolve your exterior and roof drainage issues while choosing a spot and before building. Homesteading barns produce a lot of animal wastes and need cleaning inside and out. It helps to have good drainage in order to get this accomplished.

As well, it helps to have access to said barn without having to get inside a pasture or field to access it for feed unloading or other access. There's nothing more of a pain than when you're headed back from the feedstore with a pickup load of feed and it's starts raining. Then, you drive like a wildman to get home only to have to get out and open a gate, fend off friendly milk cows, and back underneath the edge of a barn that's roof is draining into the back of your pickup! An area for "pull through" or "pull completely under" is ideal. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

[mozarkian]

The spot we will build on actually was the location for the original barn that was here years before we bought the property. It is an elevated rise, with a nearly level spot for the barn itself, but good drainage and access. Good point, francismilker, about drive through access. Point taken!