Hay, Hope & Hard Decisions:

What It Takes to Keep Freedom Hill Sanctuary Fed

At Freedom Hill Sanctuary, we don’t have the luxury of rolling green paddocks or a high-rainfall postcode. For much of the year, our ground is dry, dusty, and scattered with rocks — not the kind of land that can sustain grazing animals on its own.

Because of this, hay isn’t a supplement for our residents… it’s their lifeline.

While our ducks and chickens spend their days scratching for insects and happily foraging on what little ground cover remains, the rest of our rescued family — sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, horses — rely almost entirely on hay for their daily nourishment. Every single day, without fail, they depend on it.

When the Rain Doesn’t Come

The summer of 2024/25 pushed every sanctuary in South Australia to its limits. Hay was scarce, the quality inconsistent, and the prices climbed higher than many of us have ever seen.

We searched endlessly — from local suppliers right through to interstate growers — and when we did find hay, the transport costs alone were enough to break your heart and your bank account. The financial stress is constant, but the emotional toll… that’s something people rarely see.

Because when you’re responsible for lives that cannot feed themselves, the fear of not having enough hay is overwhelming. You don’t get the option of “waiting it out.” You can’t say, “We’ll buy some next week.” The animals need food today, tomorrow, and every day after that.

When Storage Becomes Part of the Challenge

Many sanctuaries with large, fully enclosed sheds can purchase hay in bulk and store round bales for the year. We aren’t that lucky — yet.

With limited shedded space, round bales stored outdoors inevitably take damage in winter weather. Rain, damp, mould, and mildew eat away at the outer rings of every bale. Each layer lost is money lost… and when hay costs what it does during a drought, every strand matters.

Sometimes it feels like watching your hard-earned fundraising dollars dissolve into mush.

Unlike a Supermarket, There Are No Substitutes

When a supermarket runs out of potatoes, you can buy pumpkin.

No bread? Grab wraps instead.

But when hay is scarce, there is no substitute.

There’s no “second option” to keep a sheep nourished, or a goat’s digestive system functioning, or a cow’s belly full. Hay is the option. Without it, animals go hungry. It’s that simple — and that frightening.

The Pressure Behind the Scenes

Our online community has always been our safety net — the people who dig deep, give what they can, and help us scrape together enough to get through another month.

Every donation, big or small, truly matters. What people can afford varies, but when many hearts come together, the impact is extraordinary.

But reaching those goals takes constant planning, fundraising, posting, and organising. And without a team of people to share the load, the pressure stacks higher and higher.

It’s a responsibility that is both beautiful and heavy at the same time.

Why Your Support Saves Lives

Every dollar donated towards hay isn’t just a contribution — it’s a meal.

It’s warmth on a cold night.

It’s a belly full of something safe, clean, and nourishing.

It is, quite literally, life.

When you help us fill the hay shed, you’re not just giving food.

You’re giving security, breathing room, and hope.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking this journey with us — through droughts, shortages, storms, and the days when the ground cracks beneath our feet.

We couldn’t do this without you.

Every Strand of hay counts for our rescued family. You can make a difference by helping us keep their bellies full and their hearts happy.

Bank Transfer Details:

Account Name: Freedom Hill Sanctuary

BSB: 035 000

Account Number: 569002

Reference: Help With Hay

Freedom Hill Sanctuary ~ Where Life Begins