Michigan and the Midwest in general are facing a drought this summer, and our pastures are suffering. When our pastures don't get rain, they wither and die, and with it goes the summer food supply for over 100 hay-eating animals. While this link is aimed at farmers producing "livestock" animals, the information applies to sanctuaries as well.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/drought_planning_should_begin_with_green_pastures/

Our hay producer reports that he is getting half the amount of hay this year from his pastures than he did last year, and the cost will certainly almost double, so not only will lack of rain in the pastures mean that we're feeding hay year-round (we can usually rely on our pastures to feed our animals through the summer), but when we go to buy hay for winter feeding this fall, we'll certainly feel the strain on our small budget. Imagine you go to the grocery store intending to spend $100, and buying the same things you usually buy, the total is now $200. How would that affect your family budget? We're worried, to be certain!

How can you help? Go to this page and buy a meal for a hungry farm animal! Share this page with your friends and ask them to do the same.