Farm Animals and Hay

Ryan Bulzan
Nov 13
2 min read

Our winter hay fundraiser has officially begun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the challenges rescued farm animals face in the winter months in Georgia?

In warm weather months, the animals spend their days grazing on the beautiful green pastures at Farm of the Free. When the weather changes, and wintery temperatures arrive, all the grass in the pastures goes dormant, and turns brown. We see this ourselves throughout Georgia. The grass turns brown and stops growing, lacking fresh grazing opportunities for the animals.

Q. Why hay is critical for their health and survival during the winter months.

Hay becomes their lifeline. It’s dried, stored grass harvested during the warmer months and provides the fiber, energy, and nutrients animals need to stay healthy when fresh grass isn’t available.

Q. What are the costs involved in obtaining fresh hay and how can community support directly help?

With the four new cows, we estimate $7,500 to get through winter. That’s $11 a bale and 680 bales, triple our typical consumption from the past. Community support keeps residents fed and warm, as digestion generates internal heat.

Q. Which animals benefit from hay and how?

Cows will eat about 120 bales a month (4 a day).

Donkeys will eat 25 a month (under a bale per day).

Goats and sheep together will eat 25 bales a month (under a bale per day).

Q. What are some eye-opening stats on hay consumption at Farm of the Free?

Hay is life-saving fuel. A single cow can eat up to 30 lbs of hay per day. One month of hay for the FOTF herd is nearly 170 bales.

Q. Since FOTF rescued four cows this year, what kind of change is this from last year’s hay fundraiser?

We anticipate needing approximately 384 more bales for the winter because of the four

additional cows.

Q. How far does one bale of hay go?

The residents eat twice a day. One bale would feed either the two donkeys’ breakfast or all the goats’ and sheep’s breakfast.

Q. Will the fundraiser keep going after Giving Tuesday (Dec 2)?

Yes! We will take donations all winter long! In fact, we think making a donation in someone’s name makes a great holiday gift.

Q. How much money do you hope to raise by Giving Tuesday (Dec 2)?

Giving Tuesday is our best chance to make the largest impact on the fundraising campaign. Since our hay consumption triples in the winter, we’ll spend an additional $5,000 on hay this season.