Why is Hay Important?

At FARRM, hay means everything. It’s the first healthy meal many rescued animals have, sometimes in years. It’s comfort and warmth. It’s the difference between keeping a medical condition under control, or suffering discomfort or an exacerbation of symptoms. As one example, one of our older horses, Sage, was diagnosed with recurrent airway obstruction (also known as broken wind or heaves) a few years ago. This is a chronic respiratory disease in horses involving an allergic bronchitis characterized by wheezing, coughing and laboured breathing. The single most important treatment for heaves is to reduce exposure to dust and molds, which means we soak Sage’s hay and pellets at each feeding, and the better the quality of hay, the less dust, allergens, and mold she is exposed to. This reduces flare-ups and helps keep her healthy and comfortable.

 

What is the Hay for Hope hay fundraiser?

Our Hay for Hope hay drive is our lifeline to getting through the winter months. Every bale donated means full bellies and peace of mind for animals who finally know safety. This year rising hay prices, increased costs due to a poor growing season and harvest, and the need to prepare for another cold prairie winter while simultaneously developing a new property have stretched our resources thin. Many of our residents, especially our seniors and the medically fragile such as Sage, require high-quality hay to stay healthy. With grazing access ending soon and emergency medical costs impacting our budget, we’re turning to our community for support. Help us fill the hay shed, one bale at a time. Every donation – every bale – matters and no amount is too small. We are truly grateful for the ongoing support and generosity of our community. Every contribution makes a difference in helping us continue to care for the animals who rely on us.